DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Following the limited expansion of a medical marijuana program, businesses say Iowa has a lot to learn to create a sustainable in-state program.

The program is set to start July 1, but businesses are concerned it’s too limited to attract enough patients. Because there is no legal way to get cannabis oil until companies began manufacturing it in Iowa in December 2018, some also worry that people who could benefit will be out of luck.

A nonpartisan analysis predicts 6,022 patients with qualifying conditions will enroll in the program. Cannabis distributors say that might not be enough.

The program could be expanded if the Medical Cannabidiol Advisory Board recommends changes. However, the application process for that board hasn’t started and there is no public timeline for its approval.

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (AP) — Junior high students have made homemade fidget quilts to give to dementia patients in an Iowa hospice.

The Courier reports that more than 25 Holmes Junior High students made 10 brightly-colored, multi-textured quilts for UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital patients with dementia who have trouble keeping their hands still. Each square of the quilt has an activity, such as a button, a metal snap, something to tie or fasten.

Hospice unit development coordinator Joyce Coil asked her friend Maxine Barrows, a teacher at the school, last fall if students would be interested in making the quilts.

Coil had noticed that dementia patients’ tendency to play with buttons or zippers was frustrating for both the patients and their caretakers as they ended up taking off their own clothing or taking things apart.

Organizers with non-profit “Take Back Bridgewater, IA” group have announced a Public Forum will be held on Wednesday, June 7th,  from 7-until 9-p.m. , at the Bridgewater Activity Center (Old Elementary School).  Iowa House District 20 Representative Clel Baudler, Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater, Adair County Attorney Clint Hight, Bridgewater Mayor Steve Frese and Bridgewater City Council members have accepted an invitation to attend.  Senator Jake Chapman said he would do his best to be in attendance.

Organizers say they “Have heard many requests to continue the discussion on what citizens can do to assist with stopping the drug and related criminal activity in and around Bridgewater.”  In the continued discussions, organizers determined the need to bring in people they feel can answer question and address related concerns.

Baudler has invited ALL Adair County and Cass County Mayors to be in attendance.  He will share information that is pertinent to addressing the groups’ concerns and relate it how it would be beneficial to all area small towns.  “Take back Bridgewater, IA” was formed in February, after someone spray painted the word “Meth” on a County road rock pile, with an arrow pointed toward the community.

An 84-year old man raking hay in a field east of Oakland died Saturday morning, after his tractor came into contact with a dry washout on the land. The tractor flipped over, pinning Charles Pierce, of Oakland, underneath.  The accident happened just before 10-a.m., Saturday.