Area residents interested to learn more about the state of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Iowa, are encouraged to attend a free, special meeting next week, in Harlan. Shelby County Emergency Management Coordinator Bob Seivert reports the meeting, featuring Bremer County Emergency Manager Kip Ladage, will be held at the C.G. Therkildsen Activity Center in Harlan (706 Victoria St.) beginning at 7-p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1st.

Ladage, along with two associates will be driving here from Waverly, Iowa to talk about Emergency Medical Services in the State of Iowa.  Many people across the state have listened to the presentation Ladage is bringing to Shelby County.  There is no charge to attend. They only ask the public to show up, and listen to what is happening to EMS across the state.

Seivert says Ladage’ presentation is in high demand and may answer some questions for those hearing about the state of EMS in Iowa.

A southeast Iowa employer is cutting more than 200 workers. Siemens-Gamesa says it is laying off 195 hourly and seven salaried workers at its wind turbine blade manufacturing plant in Fort Madison as there is not enough work available for the size of staff.

The layoffs are immediate and the company says the workers will get 60 days compensation pay. The cuts trim the workforce to around 330. A company spokesperson says they are still going to invest in new blade molds at the plant and hopes the investment will lead to more business and a recall of the workers.

(Radio Iowa)

Cass County District 3 Supervisor Mark Wedemeyer announced following the Board of Supervisor’s meeting Wednesday morning, that he will not seek re-election. Later, Board Chair/District 2 Supervisor Gaylord Schelling announced that he too, will NOT be running for re-election. The District 2 and District 3 seats will appear on the June 5th primary election ballot. Auditor Dale Sunderman had previously stated that these positions will also appear on the June 5th Primary ballot: Attorney (held by appointed incumbent: Michael Hooper); Recorder (held by incumbent: Republican Mary Ward). Ward has announced that she is seeking re-election; and Treasurer (currently held by incumbent: Republican Tracey Marshall).

Supervisor District 2 is comprised of Atlantic Second Ward and Atlantic Third Ward. Supervisor District 3 is comprised of Atlantic Fourth Ward and Atlantic Fifth Ward. Ward maps are available at the office of the County Auditor; available for viewing online at casscountyiowa.us; and available at the office of the Atlantic City Clerk.

The first day for candidates for county offices to file nomination papers in the office of the County Auditor is Monday, March 5th. The last day to file is Wednesday, March 28. Nomination papers may be circulated prior to the first date for filing, as well as during the filing period. Nomination papers are available at the office of the County Auditor and from the Secretary of State at www.sos.iowa.gov.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Police say three people were injured when a department prisoner transport van collided with a car at a Des Moines intersection. Police say the crash happened just before 7:30 a.m. Wednesday at an I-235 ramp intersection. Police say a car driven by a 19-year-old Urbandale man collided with the van, which caused it to roll.

Officers Jeffrey Morton, who was driving the van, Officer Alex Andersen and a 24-year-old prisoner were treated for minor injuries at a nearby hospital. The driver of the car declined medical treatment. Police Sgt. Paul Parizek says investigators plan to review the police van’s dash video to determine which vehicle ran a red light and caused the crash.