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Drug offers ‘breakthrough treatment’ for people with food allergies

News

May 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – An asthma drug that’s been around 20-plus years is now FDA-approved for treating multiple food allergies, and an expert says it could be a game-changer for Iowans who live in fear of having a severe reaction. Dr. Samantha Knox, a pediatric allergist with Gundersen Health System, says food allergies can cause hives, breathing trouble or full-on anaphylaxis, so this new use for Xolair offers an extra layer of comfort. “This is a really great breakthrough treatment that can really help reduce reactions, but it is not a cure,” Knox says. “It does not resolve your allergy. There’s lots of research to be done here to see how long this lasts and for how long that it needs to be done.”

Research finds that regular injections of Xolair will allow people with certain food allergies to safely eat small amounts of those foods without triggering a reaction. “I want patients to also understand that it is in addition to the preventative measures you’re already going to take for your food allergies,” Knox says. “You’re still going to strictly avoid those foods. Read all of your labels thoroughly. Never accept a food that you’re given and you don’t know what is in it. You are always going to have your epinephrine auto injector and an anaphylaxis action plan around, so this is in addition to all the strict avoidance.”

She says this is exciting news as there’s only one other FDA-approved product for food allergies and it’s specific to peanut allergies. “I think it’s really showing us a pathway that we’ve been able to target the food allergy pathway,” Knox says, “and to help treat those patients who have multiple food allergies, who have had anaphylactic reactions, who have a poor quality of life because of the worry and the anxiety of going out into public and social situations where they might have an accidental exposure.”

Dr. Samantha Knox (Gundersen photo)

In addition to peanuts, research finds Xolair is effective with other common food allergies, including eggs, wheat and milk. Studies find about six-percent of all Americans have a food allergy, and about four in ten children who have food allergies are allergic to several types of food.

Gundersen Health System has clinics in Calmar, Decorah, Fayette, Lansing, Postville and Waukon, and a hospital in West Union.

Iowa’s seen 86 tornadoes so far in 2024

News, Weather

May 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Radio Iowa) – It’s shaping up to be a record-breaking year for tornadoes in Iowa. New figures from the National Weather Service show Iowa’s had 86 tornadoes so far this year, with 44 last month and 42 this month. The average in a year is about 50.

The weather service says Iowa’s never seen this many tornadoes by this date, and it’s also among the five deadliest tornado seasons, with six dead and some three-dozen hurt. We still have a month left in the tornado season, though twisters can strike during any month.

In 2021, Iowa had a record 63 tornadoes in a single day — in December. That was during the state’s second derecho in as many years, and that December outbreak set another record for most E-F-2 tornadoes in one day — at 21.

Cass County Supervisors to hold Public Hearings Friday & act on Amended FY’23-24 Budget, & Declaring EMS an Essential Service

News

May 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors will hold their regular, weekly meeting beginning 9-a.m. Friday (May 31), in their Boardroom at the Cass County Courthouse, in Atlantic. On their agenda for the meeting, is two Public Hearings, followed by action on resolutions to approve, the Amended Cass County Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget, and Declaring Emergency Medical Services (EMS) an essential service in Cass County.

The Board will then act on the appointments of Sawyer Ocheltre to Sheriff’s Deputy /K9 position (retroactive to May 1st), in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement Wage Rate Schedule of $35.10 per hour, and Cameron Ward to Sheriff’s Deputy position (retroactive to May 29), also in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement Wage Rate Schedule of $34.08 per hour.

The Cass County Supervisors will act on approving a Fiscal Year 2025 Employee Group Agreement with the Secondary Roads Department, and the re-appointment of Veteran Affairs Commission Member Christine Short to a three-year term through June 30, 2027. They will also discuss updating the Cass County Comprehensive Plan.

Other business includes:

  • A weekly report from Trent Wolken, Cass County Engineer
  • Approve Five-Day Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Backpocket Brewing LLC, from July 22, 2024 – July 26, 2024
  • 14. Approve Iowa Retail Permit for Cigarette/Tobacco/Nicotine/Vapor for 21st Century Coop C-Store from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025
  • 15. Approve Iowa Retail Permit for Cigarette/Tobacco/Nicotine/Vapor for Dollar General 20294 in Griswold from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025
  • 18. Supervisor Committee Reports
  • Approve claims

Next Meeting: Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Heartbeat Today 5-30-2024

Heartbeat Today, Podcasts

May 30th, 2024 by Jim Field

Jim Field visits with Denny Daniels about his “Boots on the Ground” food trailer helping to raise money for veterans.

Play

Creston Police report, 5/30/24: Creston man arrested on a Sex Abuse charge; Creston woman arrested on Harassment & Assault charges

News

May 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Creston, Iowa) – The Creston Police Department reports the arrest at around 6:15-a.m. today (Thursday), of a man charged with 3rd Degree Sexual Abuse. Authorities say 21-year-old Jodie Ray Perkins, II, of Creston, was arrested at the Union County Law Enforcement Center. Perkins’ bond was set at $10,000.

And, around 10:40-p.m. Wednesday, Creston Police arrested 32-year-old Shanda Faith Kile, of Creston, in the 500 block of Livingston Street. Kile was taken into custody on a Union County Warrant for Harassment in the 1st Degree, and Assault causing bodily injury or mental illness. Shanda Kile was subsequently released on a $3,000 bond.

Boyer Valley Girls Softball Team Prepares for a Non-Conference Game Against Griswold Thursday Night

Sports

May 30th, 2024 by admin

The Boyer Valley girls softball team knows they are going to playing against a good Griswold Tigers team Thursday night. The Bulldogs are coming off 18-7 loss to Tri-Center on Wednesday Night.

Boyer Valley coach Tommy Dumbaugh says he is up to the challenge for this weeks challenging schedule.

Coach Dumbaugh talked about the five seniors who have made a impact on his roster over the years.

Coach Dumbaugh commented on what’s going to take to get a road win over Griswold Thursday night.

Boyer Valley softball team will travel to take on Griswold on Thursday May 30th in a non-conference game. The game can be heard on KJAN, our coverage will begin at 7:20 p.m.

Iowa’s older voters projected to decide primary election outcome

News

May 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

(Iowa News Service) – Advocates for Iowa’s older population are calling on seniors to vote in Tuesday’s primary election and have identified their priorities for candidates seeking their support. There are three ways to vote in Tuesday’s primary. Voters can choose to cast a ballot by mail, vote early in person at their county auditor’s office, or the old-fashioned way, by going to polling places and filling out a paper ballot on Election Day. Brad Anderson, state director of AARP Iowa, said whatever method they choose, there is power in numbers for the state’s older voters.

“One thing we know for sure is that older voters will dominate the overall turnout,” Anderson pointed out. “During the last primary election in 2022, 77% were 50 or older.” Anderson said because Iowa’s older voters turn out in high numbers at the polls, AARP is telling candidates exactly what is important to the state’s seniors and what it takes to win their support. He pointed out retirement and health care-related issues top the list. Anderson added the group has laid out a list of priorities for the candidates, reminding them three of four voters in Tuesday’s primary will be 50 or older and their votes could decide the election.

“Older voters care deeply about the future of Social Security,” Anderson observed. “They also care about Medicare and making sure Medicare is intact. And then finally, they care deeply about lowering the cost of prescription drugs.” Anderson stressed despite recent steps taken as part of the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce the prices of some prescription medications, cost remains a hurdle for many older Iowans.

The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4th.

Payton Sandfort Returning for Senior Season

Sports

May 30th, 2024 by admin

IOWA CITY, Iowa — University of Iowa junior Payton Sandfort has withdrawn from the NBA Draft to return to Iowa City for his senior season with the Hawkeye men’s basketball program, the forward announced Wednesday night.

“This process has been an unbelievable experience and thanks to everyone for all the help along the way,” said Sandfort. “But my heart is still in Iowa City, unfinished business.  Trust in God’s plan always.”

Sandfort, a 6-foot-7, 215-pound forward, put up career-best numbers across the board during the 2023-24 season, averaging 16.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists, while shooting 44.6 percent from the floor, 37.9 percent from distance and 91.1 percent from the free throw stripe. He ranked second in the Big Ten in free throw percentage, third in 3-point percentage, eighth in scoring, 12th in field goal percentage and 13th in rebounding en route to third-team All-Big Ten honors.

The Waukee, Iowa, native scored in double figures in 27 games and posted a team-best 11 20-point contests, including a career-best 30-point, 12-rebound outing in Iowa’s NIT First Round win over Kansas State. He made a career-high seven 3-pointers in the victory.

During the season, Sandfort was one of the best shooters in the Big Ten, leading the league with 94 3-point field goals. He made two or more 3s in 27 games, three or more in 17 games and four or more 12 times. The 94 makes ranked in the top 40 nationally.

Sandfort, who became just the second Big Ten Player since 1992-92 to average 16+ points, 6+ rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 3-point field goals, made Iowa history during a Feb. 27 victory over Penn State. He recorded the first triple-double in program history, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and three blocks in the game.

“Everyone in our program is elated to have Payton return for his senior season,” said Iowa head coach Fran McCaffery. “Going through the NBA Draft process has been very beneficial for Payton as he was able gain valuable feedback and meet directly with NBA personnel.

“We are looking forward to having Payton return as our team leader and as one of the top players in the Big Ten Conference.”

A Matter of Balance Beginning June 10

News

May 30th, 2024 by Ric Hanson

ATLANTIC, IA – Cass County Public Health will host a new session of A Matter of Balance beginning Monday, June 10. This free class is designed to help decrease falls and help older adults manage their fears about falling.

A Matter of Balance is an award-winning program to help older adults learn to manage their concerns about falling, make changes to reduce the risk of falling, and increase their physical activity. It includes 8 weekly two-hour sessions for a small group of 8-12 participants led by trained facilitators.

Cass County Public Health has been offering this program since 2018 because falls among adults aged 65 and older are common, costly, and preventable. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 years and older, with 1 in 4 older adults reporting falling every year. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults ages 65 and older. The age-adjusted fall death rate increased by 41% from 2012 to 2021. Over 30% of older adult Iowans reported a fall in the past year, totaling over 157,000 individual older adult falls.

For more information, or to sign up, call Cass County Public Health at 712-243-7443.

High School Boys State Soccer Tournament results from Wednesday May 29th

Sports

May 30th, 2024 by admin

IOWA BOYS SOCCER STATE TOURNAMENT 

CLASS 1A STATE QUARTERFINALS

Van Meter 3 West Branch 1

West Liberty 2 Western Christian 1 — OT

North Fayette Valley 2 West Sioux 1

Regina Catholic 3 Hudson 0

 

CLASS 2A STATE QUARTERFINALS

Assumption 4 Glenwood 0

Bishop Heelan Catholic 5 Webster City 1

Gilbert 2 Center Point-Urbana 1

Perry 2 Decorah 1 — 2 OT/PKs

 

CLASS 3A STATE QUARTERFINALS 

Des Moines Hoover 2 Indianola 1

Norwalk 2 Marion 0

Cedar Rapids Washington 2 Xavier 0

Dallas Center-Grimes 8 Storm Lake 1

 

CLASS 4A STATE QUARTERFINALS 

Johnston 3  Iowa City High 2

Iowa City West 4 WDM Valley 2

Pleasant Valley 2 Waukee Northwest 1

Dowling Catholic 3 Ankeny 2