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Iowa early News Headlines: Wed., 11/1/17

News

November 1st, 2017 by Ric Hanson

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 4:15 a.m. CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — One of three private insurance companies that help run Iowa’s Medicaid program plans to withdraw in a month. The Iowa Department of Human Services announced Tuesday that AmeriHealth Caritas will end its Medicaid coverage at the end of November. The state agency also announced it would spend more money as part of new contracts with the remaining companies, Amerigroup and UnitedHealthcare. The move means about 215,000 Iowans will transfer to the remaining companies.

BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Authorities say slippery conditions from rain and snow likely caused a rock climber to fall to his death from the First Flatiron in Boulder. Carrie Haverfield, a spokeswoman for the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, says investigators believe deteriorating weather conditions caused 31-year-old Erik Kleiber to fall about 430 feet from the iron-shaped rock formation Thursday. The Daily Camera reports it does not appear that the Boulder man was using any climbing equipment.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The FBI credits a new computer algorithm for identifying more than 200 previously unknown bodies found in locations throughout the country since the 1970s. The new system is able to make matches from low-quality prints or even a single finger or thumb. The cases range from a Texas man found in the mid-1980s in Iowa to an 18-year-old runaway who was found shot to death in 1999 in Arizona. Many of those identified died in the desert after crossing the border from Mexico into the U.S.

NEW VIENNA, Iowa (AP) — Authorities are blaming a manure runoff from a dairy farm for killing about 60,000 fish in eastern Iowa. The fish kill was reported Oct. 9 in two creeks in Dyersville. The farm is about 3 miles east of New Vienna. The Iowa Natural Resources Department has issued a notice of violation and is expected to seek restitution for the fish, including minnows, white suckers and creek chubs.

Farmers reminded to monitor their mental, as well as physical, health

Ag/Outdoor

October 31st, 2017 by Ric Hanson

Farming remains one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. due to the potential for PHYSICAL injury. However, the occupation can also take a toll on a person’s MENTAL health. Doctor Michael Rosman of Harlan is a farmer who also works in the field of agricultural behavioral health. He says most people are well aware of hazards on the farm like heavy machinery and confined spaces, but another risk often goes unnoticed.

“The psychological injuries that occur in farming are less well understood,” Rosman says. “It isn’t what the farmer has done, but conditions that are beyond our control that make farming so perilous. Like weather events, change in agricultural policy or market conditions – those kinds of factors.”

A recent study by researchers at the University of Iowa found the suicide rate among farmers is now 50 percent higher than during the peak of the farm crisis in 1982. Rosman says many farmers allow stress to compound and spiral out of control.

“Most of us can handle two stressors, but when we get to three, they overwhelm us,” Rosman says. “We initially try to overcome the stresses by working even harder. But, when we do that, we usually deprive ourselves of sleep, adequate recreation, and we begin to become overly distressed.”

As stress sets in, Rosman says so do biological factors associated with depression. There’s help for anyone experiencing a stress overload, including farmers. “If we seek treatment or assistance, such as medications and counseling to deal with the stresses, we can restore perspective,” Rosman says. “But, sometimes we avoid seeking help because we’re so bent on trying to take care of things ourselves.”

A program operated by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is designed to give farmers and all Iowans access to stress counselors and other resources at no charge. The Iowa Concern Hotline is active 24 hours a day, 7 days per week at 1-800-447-1985.

(Radio Iowa)

Private insurance company to leave Iowa’s Medicaid program

News

October 31st, 2017 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — One of three private insurance companies that help run Iowa’s Medicaid program plans to withdraw in a month.

The Iowa Department of Human Services announced Tuesday that AmeriHealth Caritas will end its Medicaid coverage at the end of November. The state agency also announced it would spend more money as part of new contracts with the remaining companies, Amerigroup and UnitedHealthcare.

DHS described the additional spending as a 3.3 percent rate increase, but officials did not provide more specifics. Department director Jerry Foxhoven says the extra spending will be funded through existing agency dollars.

The move means about 215,000 Iowans enrolled in the health care program for poor and disabled people will transfer to the remaining companies. DHS then plans to hire another company to offer coverage beginning next summer.

Iowa star recruit Connor McCaffery will play this season

Sports

October 31st, 2017 by Ric Hanson

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa freshman point guard Connor McCaffery has decided to play this season instead of redshirt. The star recruit and son of Hawkeyes coach Fran McCaffery had planned to sit out as a freshman and play baseball for Iowa in the spring. But backup point guard Christian Williams left the program last week, leaving Iowa thin at that position.

The 6-foot-5 McCaffery scored nearly 20 points a game in leading Iowa City West High to the state title in 2016-17. He was ranked the nation’s No. 90 recruit in last year’s class.

Harlan Police report, 10/31/17

News

October 31st, 2017 by Ric Hanson

The Harlan Police Department reports two recent arrests. On Sunday, 38-year old Christopher Thomas Hanshaw, of Council Bluffs, was arrested following a traffic stop at the intersection of Hwy 59 and Cyclone Ave.  Hanshaw was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while suspended, financial liability coverage, windshield requirements, and careless driving.

And, on Oct. 25th, 45-year old Larry Monroe Lange, of Harlan, was arrested following a report of disturbance in the 1400 block of 7th Street.  Lange was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with assault with bodily injury and trespass.

Last Saturday, 29-year old Charlie Bennett Hadfield, of Earling, was cited by Harlan Police, for possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop in the 1600 block of Willow Street.

Harlan Police report also, that on Saturday, Larry Wingert, of Avoca, was driving a 1996 Ford F-150 pickup and pulling up to the Harlan Kwik Rx Pharmacy.  When Wingert tried to stop, his brakes failed, causing the vehicle to strike the front door of the business. No dollar amount of the damage was reported, and there no injuries reported.

EYVONNE EHRSAM, 84, of Greenfield (Svcs. 11/3/17)

Obituaries

October 31st, 2017 by Ric Hanson

EYVONNE EHRSAM, 84, of Greenfield, died Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at the Adair County Memorial Hospital in Greenfield.  Funeral services for EYVONNE EHRSAM will be held 10:30-a.m. Friday, Nov. 3rd, at the United Methodist Church in Greenfield. Steen Funeral Home in Greenfield has the arrangements.

Visitation is open at the Greenfield United Methodist Church on Thursday, Nov. 2nd, from 2-until 8-p.m., with the family greeting friends from 6-until 8-p.m.; Online condolences may be left to the family at www.steenfunerals.com.

Burial will be in the Greenfield Cemetery, with a luncheon to be held at the Greenfield United Methodist Church, following committal services at the cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to the Eyvonne Ehrsam Memorial Fund to be established by the family at a later date.

EYVONNE EHRSAM is survived by:

Her sons – Monte (Susan) Ehrsam, and Mike (Kim) Ehrsam, all of Greenfield.

Her sister – Lorrene (Richard) Peters, of Ft. Collins, CO.

Her brother – Therald (Nancy) Arterburn, of Fontanelle.

6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, other relatives, her sister-in-law Patty Arterburn, of Greenfield, and many friends.

JOHN “JACK” CHRISTENSEN, 75, of Lucas, formerly of Creston (11-6-2017)

Obituaries

October 31st, 2017 by Jim Field

JOHN “JACK” CHRISTENSEN, 75, of Lucas, formerly of Creston, died Monday, October 30th at Greater Regional Hospice House in Creston.  Celebration of Life Memorial Services for JOHN “JACK” CHRISTENSEN will be held on Monday, November 6th at 11:30 a.m. in the Powers Funeral Home in Creston.

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THE FAMILY REQUESTS CASUAL DRESS.

Visitation, with family receiving friends will be Monday 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Powers Funeral Home in Creston.

Flag presentation will be by the Theodore J. Martens, Creston VFW Post #1797.

Memorials to Camp Sunnyside.

Online condolences may be given at www.powersfh.com

JOHN “JACK” CHRISTENSEN is survived by:

Daughter: Jana (Lynn) Weland of Creston

Son: Jamie Christensen of Creston

Step-son: Jay Selsor of Guthrie Center

Sister: Eva (Harris) Perkins of Creston

4 Grandchildren

2 Step grandchildren

2 Great-grandchildren

extended relatives and many friends.

3 cited following investigation into underage drinking party in Page County

News

October 31st, 2017 by Ric Hanson

An investigation into a reported underage drinking party in Page County resulted in three citations being issued. Sheriff Lyle Palmer reports deputies responded at around 11:40-p.m. Saturday to a party at the corner of 5th and Washington Streets, in Yorktown. During the investigation of the underage drinking party, 20-year old Christopher Monaghan, 18-year old Haileigh Cavin, and 18-year old Emily Bahn were cited for Persons under legal age. Two Juvenile males were referred to Juvenile court for Persons under legal age. Their names are not being released at this time. More charges are pending at this time in regards to this incident.

1 arrest and several accidents in Atlantic

News

October 31st, 2017 by Ric Hanson

The Atlantic Police Department reports one arrest and several accident investigations took place over the past few days. On Monday (10/30), 18-year old Travis Osborn, of Atlantic, was arrested for 5th Degree Theft and Public Intoxication. Osborn was booked into the Cass County Jail. At around 7:35-a.m. today (Tuesday) Atlantic Police responded to an accident at 7th and Linn Streets. Vehicles driven by Carter Hoffman, of Atlantic and Tina Olson, of Audubon, collided when Olson was slowing to turn right onto Linn Street from eastbound 7th Street. Her vehicle was struck from behind by Hoffman’s vehicle, causing $2,000 damage altogether. Olson complained of whiplash, but was otherwise uninjured. Hoffman was cited for Failure to Maintain Reasonable/Proper speed.

Two accidents happened Monday, in Atlantic, just minutes apart. At around 3:32-p.m., and accident at 10th and Mulberry Streets occurred when a vehicle driven by Danielle Young, of Atlantic, backed out of a private drive and struck a vehicle on the passenger door, as the vehicle – driven by Danielle Meek, of Atlantic – was traveling east on 10th Street. Damage from the collision amounted to $2,000. The second accident at around 3:34-p.m. happened at the west driveway entrance to the Wal-Mart Store. A vehicle driven Shirley Johnson, of Atlantic, was southbound in the entrance, with a vehicle driven by Hanna Layland, of Atlantic, directly behind her. Authorities say Layland looked at another vehicle and when she looked back, saw Johnson’s vehicle had slowed. Layland tried to turn left to avoid hitting Johnson’s vehicle, but struck it in the left rear corner, causing $2,100 damage altogether.

At around 5:50-a.m. Saturday, a vehicle driven by Kasey Juhl, of Atlantic, was traveling south in the 1300 block of Chestnut Street, when he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle hit a light pole, snapping it off. Juhl then left the scene of the accident. No injuries were reported. Damage amounted to $14,000. Juhl was cited for reckless driving, operating a vehicle without a registration card or plate, and driving or towing an unsafe vehicle.

And, at around 9-a.m. Friday, vehicles driven by Roger Denison, and Crystal Schelle, both of Atlantic, collided at 11th and Chestnut Streets. The accident happened as Denison was traveling north on Chestnut and Schelle was traveling east on 11th. The A-PD says she proceeded through the intersection after failing to yield, and was struck by Denison’s vehicle. Damage amounted to $4,500. Schelle was cited for Failure to Obey a Stop Sign.

SeeClickFix officially launches in Atlantic

News

October 31st, 2017 by Ric Hanson

Atlantic Mayor Dave Jones has announced the City of Atlantic has officially launched SeeClickFix, an app you can download to your mobile device to report issues such as debris in the road, junk piling up, or other eyesores and/or other matters, like pot holes. The program allows you to report issues that are routed instantly to the appropriate City personnel. You can then track the progress of your submission and receive feedback directly from City staff.

If you have not yet downloaded the SeeClickFix mobile app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, you may do so at any time. You can also access the program directly from the City’s Website (coming soon). After you have SeeClickFix, comment or vote on an issue today! Don’t forget to share the news with your friends and neighbors.