(Atlantic, Iowa) – A global shortage of contrast agents used in CT exams is impacting local hospitals including Cass Health. Cass Health Radiology Director Carrie Schmitt says “Contrast agent is a solution that we inject into patients before an imaging test. Much like the name says, the contrast solution enhances the area of interest so that radiologists can see a more detailed image of exactly what’s going on inside of that patient.”

GE Healthcare manufactures the contrast agent in Shanghai, which has been affected recently by a surge of COVID-19 cases and strict lockdowns. Production at the facility is expected to return to normal at the end of June, but in the meantime, hospitals across the world are dealing with unprecedented shortages of the material.

“Every hospital across the country is dealing with this critical issue. At Cass Health, we are conserving our current supply of contrast agents, and we are taking steps to ensure that our patients are still getting the right care at the right time. We have an experienced radiology team, and together we’ve planned how we can adapt to challenging circumstances like this, while always maintaining patient safety and excellent care,” said Schmitt.

Cass Health will continue to monitor the shortage and inform the community of any further updates.

(Walnut, Iowa) – An investigation into a 9-1-1 hang-up call this (Wednesday) morning (May 18) from a home in the 700 block of Atlantic Street, in Walnut, resulted a woman being arrested on Domestic Abuse Assault/1st offense (with Bodily Injury), and Child Endangerment (Substantial Risk). The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports Deputies responding to the call at around 6:27-a.m., arrested 39-year-old Amy Joy Carman. Victims of the alleged assault were said to be a 14-year old male and 28-year old male.

(Sidney, Iowa) – Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope reports a Page County woman was arrested at around 1:35-a.m. today (Wednesday), following a single-vehicle rollover accident. Deputies investigating the crash near the intersection of Highway 2 and 252^nd Street, near Waubonsie State Park, determined a 2018 Dodge Charger Hellcat driven by 31-year-old Devon Leigh Miller, of Coin, was traveling west on Highway 2, when it crossed the center line, left the roadway, and rolled.

Miller was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated 1^st Offense, Possession with Intent to Distribute (Meth), Possession with Intent to Distribute (Cocaine), Possession of Contraband in a Correctional Facility, and Carrying Weapons. She was being held without bond at the Fremont County Jail.

Devon L. Miller (Fremont Co. S/O photo)

The Iowa State Patrol and Sidney Fire and Rescue assisted the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office with the call.

Officials with the Creston (Iowa) Police Department report a Union County woman was arrested Tuesday afternoon, at a woman’s clothing store, in Creston. 23-year-old Autumn Leann Booth, of Cromwell, was arrested for Theft in the 2nd Degree. She later posted a $5,000 cash or surety bond. And, at around 3-p.m. Tuesday, 18-year-old Damian Joseph Gibbons, of Creston, was arrested at the Union County Law Enforcement Center, on a warrant for Violation of Probation stemming from an original charge of Harassment in the 2nd Degree. Gibbons was being held without bond in the Union County Jail, pending an appearance before the magistrate.

Late Monday morning, Creston Police arrested 46-year-old Mandi Lea Stowers, of Osceola, on a charge of Burglary in the 3rd Degree. She was transported to the Adams County Jail and held on a $1,000 cash or surety bond.