Des Moines – The State Library of Iowa has announced that the Cumberland Public Library has met the conditions for state accreditation, as outlined “In service to Iowa: Public Library Standards Sixth Edition.” State Librarian Michael Scott says “The director and board of trustees of the Cumberland Public Library and the City of Cumberland are to be commended for this achievement and their commitment to excellence in public library services for their community.”

Officials say achieving accreditation requires a significant, ongoing local commitment to high quality library services. The Cumberland Public Library has been recognized for its efforts in all areas of library operations, including governance and funding, staffing, library collection, services, public relations, access, and facilities. The accreditation is valid through June 30, 2023. Of Iowa’s 542 public libraries, 377 – including the Cumberland Public Library – are accredited.

Accredited libraries receive a higher rate of compensation through the State Library’s Enrich Iowa program. They also receive a Certificate of Accreditation, signed by the Governor and other Iowa officials.

ATLANTIC– September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness month and Cass County Health System’s Senior Life Solutions is working to raise awareness and educate the community on the risk factors and warning signs of suicide. Talk of suicide should never be dismissed. If you, or someone you know, are thinking of suicide call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy and teletherapy program designed to meet the unique needs of senior adults living with symptoms of age-related depression or anxiety, dealing with difficult life transitions, a recent health diagnosis, or the loss of a loved one.

Karmen Roland, Senior Life Solutions Program Director said, “It is important to reach people early. We know it can be difficult to ask for help, but by educating our community we hope we can show people that it is okay to reach out and ask for help for themselves or a loved one.” According to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely that someone will consider, attempt, or die by suicide and they are important to be aware of. Several risk factors may include:

• A preexisting mental disorder
• Alcohol or substance use disorder
• Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
• Major physical illness
• Job or financial loss
• Loss of relationship(s)
• Access to lethal means
• Lack of social support and sense of isolation

Roland added, “The stigma associated with asking for help and a lack of healthcare, especially mental health and substance abuse treatment can also pose as risk factors to an individual. We work to lessen the stigma and increase access to behavioral healthcare.” The Suicide Prevention Lifeline also states that knowing these warning signs may help determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide:

• Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
• Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Talking about being a burden to others
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or isolating themselves
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Extreme mood swings

For more information, or if an older loved one is in need of help, call CCHS Senior Life Solutions program at 712-250-8100.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new survey of business leaders released Tuesday shows economic improvement in nine Midwest and Plains states. That includes improvements in employment and economic outlook amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak and the devastation from a rare wind storm earlier in the month. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says the survey’s employment index moved above growth neutral 50 for the first time since January, coming in at 54.8 for August, compared with 48.5 in July.

The overall index for the region improved to 60 in August from July’s 57.4. Any score above 50 suggests growth. The monthly survey covers Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota.

DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is actively recruiting Iowans who can assist voters at the polls on Election Day. Poll workers check-in voters, make sure they have the correct ballot, answer questions, and help ensure elections run smoothly in each precinct. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of Iowa’s regular poll workers are unavailable this year. Today is National Pollworker Recruitment Day. Pate says “We need healthy Iowans to step up and serve their state and nation on November 3rd. It’s an important job, you’ll be helping your community, and you get paid.”

Polls will be open in all 99 counties on November 3. The Secretary of State’s Office is providing masks, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, social distancing markers and other materials to every precinct to protect voters and poll workers from the risk of spreading COVID-19. Additionally, a statewide mailing of absentee ballot request forms will go to active registered voters in Iowa soon. This will help reduce crowds and wait times at the polls.

This instructional video details the tasks poll workers are required to perform. For more information and to sign up, visit Pollworker.Iowa.gov.

(Radio Iowa) – Test results have determined that the fire that destroyed the Oasis Night Club in Storm Lake was intentionally set.  Samples were removed from the floor of the stage where the fire is believed to have started and were taken to the State Crime Lab to be evaluated. Gasoline was found to be present in the samples tested. The fire occurred late in the night on August 8th. Fire fighters located the fire burning in the area of the stage at the east end of the building.

The Oasis Night Club will not be reopening due to the extent of damage. Anyone who may have any information about the fire is asked to contact the Storm Lake Police Department.

Officials with the Adams County Auditor’s Office report an Informational Forum with regard to Elections, will be presented by Adams County Auditor Becky Bissell, this Thursday, Sept. 3rd, from 7-until 8-p.m., at the Corning Community Center. The forum offers you an opportunity to ask questions or express concerns about the election process in the State of Iowa. Everyone is welcome to attend and receive accurate information from knowledgeable officials, rather than unknown sources that may be offer inaccurate information, such as the internet.

JEFFERSON, S.D. (AP) — Authorities have identified the person who died when an ambulance crashed on a South Dakota interstate. The Highway Patrol says 29-year-old Tonya Bruscher, from Brunsville, Iowa, was killed when the driver of the ambulance lost control of the vehicle on Interstate 29 Saturday. Bruscher was a passenger in the ambulance, which was not carrying any patients.

The southbound ambulance crossed two lanes and the median before crashing into a semi in the northbound lanes. The impact caused the semi to roll on its side. The 22-year-old man driving the ambulance and the 62-year-old man behind the wheel of the semi suffered minor injuries.