Emily McColloch, with Guthrie County Public Health, today (Thursday), confirmed another two deaths associated with COVID-19, in Guthrie County. One individual was age 73, who had underlying medical conditions. The other was a person over the age of 80. The total number of deaths in Guthrie County since the pandemic began, is 12. Guthrie County Public Health Director Jotham Arber said “We want to extend our deepest condolences to the individuals’ families.”

He added that “It has been very hard over the last six months, to watch people in our community pass away from this terrible disease, but we are all in this fight together. Guthrie County Public Health and its partners continue to work to limit the spread and impact of COVID-19 in our communities.” Arber recommends all Guthrie County residents:

• Wear cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures and other hygiene practices are difficult to maintain.
• Stay at least 6-feet away from others, to minimize exposure.
• Anyone who is at high risk for more severe COVID-19 illness, should stay home.
• Stay home even when you are mildly ill (the kind of illness that normally would not prevent you from your everyday activities).
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow/upper arm.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20-seconds.

The Creston Police Department has received three separate Theft reports. On Tuesday, a woman from Indianola told police that a Stanley Jumpit 600/300 amp 12-volt starter was removed from her vehicle parked at 310 Oak Street, in Creston. The loss was estimated at $40. And, a man reported his Smith & Wesson .40 handgun was stolen from his vehicle in the 100 block of N. Oak Streeet. The loss was estimated at $500.

On Wednesday, a Creston woman reported that her purse, containing credit cards, checks, her Social Security Number, cash and medications, was stolen from her residence in the 300 block of N. Oak Street. The loss was estimated at $500. Creston Police said also, 38-year old Candace Lenee Russell, of Creston, was arrested at a residence in the 900 block of N. Sumner, for Driving While Barred. She was transported to the Union County Jail, posted bond, and was released.