Parents and child care providers are invited to explore the wonder of nature and the benefits it offers infants and toddlers. The “We Dig Dirt” workshop will be held on Thursday, June 4th,from 6:30- to 9:30- p.m., at the Ann Wickman Child Development Center in Atlantic. The location has developed an outside nature area specifically for young children, including infants and toddlers. Funding is being provided by Boost 4 Families Early Childhood Iowa.

Participants will discover effective ways to facilitate meaningful infant and toddler learning experiences inspired by nature and gain positive solutions for addressing some of the challenges of working with very young children outdoors. Many practical ideas will be shared for helping infants and toddlers grow up with a sense of wonder.

Certified instructor, Sandra McKinnon, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Human Sciences Specialist, will lead the workshop. Three clock hours for child care providers are available. Visit the Iowa Child Care Provider Training Registry at https://ccmis.dhs.state.ia.us/trainingregistry/ to sign up. If you are a parent, register directly with the Montgomery County Extension Office.

Registration and payment is required by May 22. For more information, contact the Montgomery County Extension Office in Red Oak at 712-623-2592.

Residents of Cass County and the area is invited to attend the next “Healthy U” program on April 30th. The lunch program will be held at noon in the Cass County Memorial Hospital’s Conference Room #2. The topic for April is “Foot & Ankle Surgeons: An Overview of Podiatry Services.” Dr. Roger Drown (D.P.M.) will present an overview of the care that podiatrists provide. He will cover common foot problems, treatments, and procedures.

Dr. Roger Down, DPM.

Dr. Drown says “Understanding how a podiatrist can help is the first step to getting you back on your feet and doing the things you love – without pain and worry.” Healthy U is a free educational series that focuses on a different health topic each month. Attendees receive a healthy sack lunch in addition to an educational program presented by medical professionals. Future topics include dementia, joint health, and diabetes.

For more information, or to make a reservation for the April 30th Healthy U, call 712-243-7479.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month sponsored by the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. As part of the national awareness initiative, Cass County Health System wants to help spread the message that local help is available for any victims of sexual assault. Darci Young, RN is a Forensic Nurse Examiner. She has completed both sexual assault training and a clinical program in forensic examinations. Young is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to perform forensic exams.

Darci Young, FNE for CCHS

If someone is a victim of sexual assault in Cass County, it is important that they come to the Emergency Department at Cass County Memorial Hospital within 72 hours of the assault for an exam. The exams are done at zero cost to the victim. The State of Iowa’s Sexual Abuse Examination Payment Program pays for the cost of the forensic exam to ensure that all evidence is collected correctly, but it also pays for the cost to “assure the well-being of the victim.” It should also be noted, that the state program pays for any sexual assault examination whether or not the victim reports the crime to law enforcement.

In addition to performing exams, Darci Young will help the victim find resources such as counseling, support groups, and confidential shelters. She typically works with The Phoenix House, a domestic violence shelter and sexual abuse program.

Police in Glenwood report two people were arrested, Tuesday. 40-year old Ricardorey Salas, of Glenwood, was arrested for Driving While revoked. His bond was set at $1000. And, 21-year old Logan Lingle, of Glenwood, was arrested on a Page County warrant for Theft 5th degree and Interference with  Official acts. His bond was set at $300.

Two people were hurt when two vehicles collided Tuesday night, in Harrison County. The Iowa State Patrol says 24-year old Arianna Thacker and 34-year old Roseann McCarty, both of Logan, were transported by Missouri Valley Rescue to the hospital in Missouri Valley, after McCarty’s 2014 Sonic rear-ended a 2009 Chevy Impala driven by Thacker. Both women were wearing their seat belts.

The accident happened at around 8:15-p.m. on Interstate 29 northbound, near the 75 mile marker. Following the collision, the Impala ended-up in the east ditch, while the other vehicle came to rest on the east shoulder of the Interstate.

The State Patrol was assisted at the scene by deputies with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office and Missouri Valley Rescue.