Atlantic, IA—For the eighth consecutive time, Cass Health has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2022 honor by Iowa Top Workplaces. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

With nearly 400 employees, Cass Health is the largest employer in Cass County and a huge economic engine for the region. “Thanks to our greatest asset—our people—Cass Health has been recognized as an Iowa Top Workplace for eight consecutive years, a Top 100 Critical Access Hospital in the country for the past 6 years, and as a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital in the country for the last two years,” noted Cass Health CEO Brett Altman.

Southwest Iowa Planning Council (SWIPCO) has been named a 2022 Des Moines Register Iowa Top Workplace. The Register and WorkplaceDynamics evaluated survey responses from employees of participating employers. Top Workplaces are categorized by number of employees in Iowa and chosen based on employee feedback.

“It is an honor to be recognized as one of Iowa’s Top Workplaces,” said SWIPCO Executive Director John McCurdy. “Whether it’s public transit, housing rehab, or disaster relief, this recognition confirms what we already know—the employees who do the hard work here at SWIPCO are the reason for our success.”

“I do not know of a more caring and devoted staff who work hard every day as a team to help our neighbors in southwest Iowa,” continued McCurdy. “When our communities are in need, they know they can count on SWIPCO and SWITA to deliver for them.”

Southwest Iowa Planning Council is a high-performing, regionally focused partner committed to enhancing the vitality and quality of life in southwest Iowa using a collaborative and inclusive approach to regional community development, economic development, and public transit.

Atlantic, IA—Flu season is approaching soon, and Atlantic Medical Center, RHC is making it easy for patients to get their annual flu vaccine. This year, options include drive-thru appointments in Atlantic, as well as drive-up appointments in Anita, Griswold, and Massena.

Cass Health will begin administering flu shots on Monday, October 3rd and continue throughout the month. In Atlantic, drive-thru appointments are available on Monday and Friday mornings from 8 am to noon and on Wednesday afternoons from 2 to 6 pm. The annual Ayzlee’s Family Flu Clinic will be held on October 12th.

The drive-thru will be located in the curved driveway on 10th street, at the top of the staff parking lot (Lot D). Appointments can be made by calling 712-243-2850.

Drive-up flu shots will be available in Anita, Griswold, and Massena on the following dates.

Anita Medical Center, October 27 from 1 to 5 pm
Massena Medical Center, October 28 from 1 to 5 pm
Griswold Medical Center, October 19, 25, and 26 from 1 to 5 pm
Fall Lab Draws and Flu Shots

Cass Health is also currently offering appointments for fall lab draws, which is a low-cost option for routine blood work. Appointments are available October 18-22; patients can schedule online at casshealth.org/laboratory or by calling 712-243-2850. Flu shots can also be given at this time to patients after they complete their blood draws.

If the drive-through options aren’t feasible, then patients are encouraged to make an appointment with the Immunization Room by calling 712-243-2850.

Patients without an appointment will be seen as promptly as possible, but may encounter longer wait times.

COUNCIL BLUFFS, September 26, 2022 – The Council Bluffs community participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, September 24 at the River’s Edge Park. Walkers helped raise $32,000 so far to support the care, support and research programs of the Alzheimer’s Association. Fundraising continues through the end of the year, so there is still time to donate at alz.org/walk.

Team Jensen led by Ross Jensen from Edward Jones was named the Top Team raising over $3,800. Jensen walks in memory of his grandmother and aunt.

The other top teams and walkers are:

• Team Primrose Retirement Council Bluffs led by Tiffany Eggett raised $3,100
• Team Availa Bank Council Bluffs led by Team Captain Samantha Adland raised over $2,200
• Top Walker Jessica Duncan, Team Captain of the Angels Home Health team, raised over $2,000 in honor of several family members and the residents she serves.

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease – a leading cause of death in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. In Iowa alone, there are more than 66,000 people living with the disease and 73,000 caregivers.

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office reports two people were arrested following a recent investigation in Jamaica. On September 20th Deputies executed a search warrant for a burglary investigation at 603 1st Avenue in Jamaica.

Two people were present in the home, 42-year-old Tony Owens and 43-year-old Carly Hubby were found with drugs and drug paraphernalia in the home. A second search warrant was obtained for drugs and then executed. Owens was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (3rd or subsequent offense), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Theft (4th Degree), Criminal Mischief (4th Degree), and Criminal Trespass (Causing Damage over $300). Hubby was charged for Possession of a Controlled Substance (3rd or subsequent offense) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

There was also information and evidence obtained to help further investigate additional burglaries/thefts in the Jamaica area.

The Glenwood Police Department reports two arrests over the weekend.

On Saturday, September 24th Officers arrested 34-year-old Seth Peters for Driving Under Suspension. Peters was taken to the Mills County Jail and held on $300 bond.

On Sunday, September 25th Glenwood Police arrested 42-year-old Brian Johnson of Plattsmouth, NE for Controlled Substance Violation, Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd Offense, and Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp. Johnson was booked into the Mills County Jail on $32,000 bond.

The Creston Police Department reports three arrests over the past weekend.

On Friday, September 23rd at 3:42 p.m. Creston Police arrested 43-year-old Brady Gale Richert of Creston at his residence. Richert was charged on 2 Union County Warrants for Failure to Appear on Violation of Probation. Original charges were Operating Under the Influence 2nd Offense. Richert was transported to the Union County Jail and held on $4,000 cash only bond.

Also on September 23rd at 5:37 p.m. Officers arrested 36-year-old Michael Dale Sheldahl at his home on a charge of Domestic Abuse Assault, Strangulation. Sheldahl was taken to the Union County Jail and later posted $2,000 bond.

On Saturday, September 24th at 9:58 p.m. Creston Police arrested 41-year-old Robert Gene Shimer of Creston on a charge of Public Intoxication 1st Offense. Shimer was taken to the Union County Jail and later posted $300 bond.