(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s largest grocery chain is now offering COVID-19 vaccines to young people, ages 12 to 15. Hy-Vee says the Pfizer vaccine is available free, but kids DO need their parents’ consent and a parent needs to accompany them for the shot. Dr. William Ching, a pediatric hospitalist at Unity Point Health St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, says if more children are vaccinated, it will get us closer to herd immunity.  Dr. Ching says, “These things are game changers that will do so much to restore normalcy for our children and our families.”

Dr. Joel Waddell, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Unity Point Health in Des Moines, says there’s much more to consider with a vaccine other than just protecting children against developing severe cases of COVID, because it will do that. It will also help with mental health and let kids start to return to a sense of normal, like visiting friends and family and even going to summer camps.

“There is an immediate benefit of giving this vaccine,” Dr. Waddell says, “and I think it’s going to loosen things up a little bit in terms of what activities are safe.” The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends the Pfizer vaccine be given to kids as young as 12. Ching says in the trial, out of children who got the vaccine, zero contracted the virus and there were no serious side effects related to the vaccine. Both doctors made their comments on Iowa Public Radio’s program “Talk of Iowa.”

(reporting by Kassidy Arena, Iowa Public Radio)

CRESTON – Today (Friday), Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) announced a new $4,399,480 grant for the Creston Municipal Airport for a runway renovation. “The continued federal support of our local airports receive allows them to develop and repair vital infrastructure that keeps Iowans safe,” said Congresswoman Axne. “I’m pleased the Creston Municipal Airport is receiving this funding – this money is a direct investment in our growth here in Iowa’s Third District.”

The airport is receiving the funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to complete a renovation of runway 16/34 and fix ongoing issues related to the aging runway – as well as make subgrade improvements and lay new concrete.

The project is slated to begin in August 2022.

Griswold School District Superintendent Dave Henrichs today (Friday) said he was “Excited to announce that the Griswold CSD has selected our next MS / HS principal – Stephanie Lajko.” The Griswold Board of Education will approve an employment contract for her (pending the release of her contract from the Treynor CSD) during their regular meeting scheduled for May 17. Lajko was selected to replace Billy Hiatt as sixth-through 12th Grade Principal. Hiatt tendered his resignation earlier this year. He was hired for the position in April, 2020.

Lajko’s curriculum vitae (resume’) can be found below:

Educational/Professional Information –

• Graduate of Northwestern College- Administration/Principal Endorsement
• Graduate of Peru State College- Elementary and Early Childhood Education
• Teacher for 11 years- 2 years in Prek and 4 years in Kindergarten at Missouri Valley Community School District, 5 years in 3rd Grade at Treynor Community School District.
• JV/Varsity Assistant Soccer Coach for 2 years in Missouri Valley, JV/Varsity Soccer Coach for 3 Years in Treynor

Prior to teaching in public schools, Lajko taught at Child Saving Institute as a Lead Preschool Teacher, and at First National Child Development Center as the Two’s Team Leader/Supervisor, and as a Two’s Teacher.

Her Philosophy –

“In my experiences teaching at public schools, I have found a lens for the “big picture” in a school system. Creating an environment of partnership, trust, and safety for staff and students has become the most important part of my daily work. Each day, I work to ensure that I help to create a positive space that embraces all students and staff, regardless of personal preferences, race, ability, status, or position. Embracing an environment of diversity and celebrating each unique characteristic of our students and staff has been amazing to be a part of.
A strong focus on social emotional learning and relationship building will be central to my leadership style.”

Personal information –

•  She is a resident of Council Bluffs
• She’s a sports fan, specifically the Nebraska Huskers, Green Bay Packers, and Pittsburgh Penguins
• Lajko said she loves to play adult league sports including hockey and volleyball.
• She also enjoys traveling, visiting museums, listening to music and trying new restaurants.

Lajko says “I am looking forward to becoming a part of the Griswold family and meeting all of the wonderful families in the area!”

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports two injury accidents took place last week, and three people were arrested over the past week, on separate charges. Authorities say at around 7:32-p.m. on May 7th, Cass County Deputies responded to an accident on  750th St., south of Anita.  Curtis Tucker, of Prescott, was driving a 2011 GMC Sierra pickup northbound, when the vehicle crossed the south bound lane and entered the west ditch.  Upon entering the ditch, the pickup struck a field entrance and came to rest in a field.  Tucker was transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital by Cass County EMS, for treatment of minor injuries.  Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $10,000.

And, as we reported last weekend, at around 1:50-a.m. on Saturday, May 8th, Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a semi accident on I-80 at the 66 mile marker.  Officials say Ryan Lockner of Genoa, Nebraska was driving a 2018 Kenworth semi tractor trailer, eastbound on I-80, when a blown tire caused him to lose control.  The tractor trailer crossed the median and rolled onto it’s side on the north side of the ditch.  Lockner suffered minor injuries and was transported to Cass County Memorial Hospital by Cass County EMS.

Cass County Deputies arrested 36-year-old Curtis Lee Glenn, of Des Moines, May 9th, on a charge of domestic abuse 2nd offense.  Glenn was transported to Cass County Jail and was released on $300 bond. On May 11th, 25-year-old Blake Michael Zweck, of Anita, was arrested on a Cass County warrant for controlled substance violations.   Zweck was transported to the Cass County Jail where he is being held on $50,000 bond.

And, on Friday, May 14th, Cass County Deputies arrested 32-year-old Shawn Anthony Williams, of Atlantic, on for OWI/1st offense.  Williams was transported to Cass County Jail and was being held on a $1,000 bond.