(Radio Iowa) – Healthcare facilities and pharmacies are continuing to see shortages of antibiotic medications as hospitals are reporting high levels of kids getting sick with viral infections like the flu and R-S-V. The executive director of pharmacy for UnityPoint Des Moines, Brian Benson, says they’re being careful to make sure they’re saving medications like amoxicillin for bacterial infections — because it doesn’t work on viruses.

“We’re not trying to not get drugs or not treat patients. It’s really, we’re making the best decisions we can based on you know, the, the bug, if you will, that’s causing the infection and we’re really trying to make sure that we, we have things on hand for patients that really need it,” he says. He says they’re able to get by on the supply they have, and patients can help by understanding how things are treated.

“If it’s, you know, suspected to be viral, you’re not going to get an amoxicillin to treat the viral infection. So maybe, you know, maybe not demanding an antibiotic,” Benson says. Benson says parents can prevent the spread of all infections by keeping their kids home when sick.

(reporting by Natalie Krebs, Iowa Public Radio)

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Wellness Program Coordinator Brigham Hoege says the Atlantic Food Pantry has a message for Atlantic and Cass County Community: “2022 has been an eventful year for the Food Pantry with persistent food insecurity locally and nationally, and also a successful move to a new facility here in Atlantic.

“We want to express our sincere thanks for the extraordinarily generous donations to the Atlantic Food Pantry by the churches, community service groups, businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals throughout the county who have contributed food and funds, sponsored food drives and collection boxes, and served meals to help those in need. The community has been truly generous in its support, as always.

“With food costs higher than in past years, client attendance numbers have remained steady around 75 households per week. During 2022 there have been approximately 3600 household visits to the pantry with supplemental food distributed to the 9000 individuals in those household visits. These totals include multiple visits by some households during the year, according to their need.

“The Pantry particularly expresses our gratitude to the organizers, contestants, and contributors who participated in the Scrooge Contest which has been fundamental to the pantry’s operation for so many years. Also, we want to acknowledge the community contributions of the Cass County Local Food Policy Council which has distributed live garden food plants and helpful food information to our clients and organized Mobile Food Pantry distributions periodically throughout the year. Our Pantry has also benefited in many ways from its affiliation with Food Bank for the Heartland, the large food bank in Omaha, which provides significant amounts of donated food for distribution in Cass County by its several pantries and other groups.

Thank You!

The Volunteers, Board, and Clients of the Atlantic Food Pantry”

(Radio Iowa)  – It’s the season of giving and many Iowans are wanting to make charitable contributions before the calendar year runs out — out of generosity and for the tax benefits. As you decide who should get a check, Bao Vang at the Better Business Bureau is encouraging us to do our homework to avoid being ripped off. “Watch out for charity name confusion,” Vang says. “Scammers want to trick you into thinking they are someone else, including a reputable, credible organization that you already have a special connection with.”

If you have any doubts, Vang says to do your research to ensure a charity is on the up and up, and don’t donate right away to anyone who calls. “Resist the pressure to give immediately and on the spot,” Vang says. “Rushing you is one of the most common tactics of scammers. When you feel rushed, pause, take a breath and think about the offer.”

If you think you’ve been scammed, go to the BBB’s scam tracker and report it.

On the web at bbb.org

(Glenwood, Iowa) – A traffic stop Saturday in Glenwood resulted in the arrest of a Pottawattamie County man. Glenwood Police Department arrested 36-year-old Rikki Lillard, of Council Bluffs, for Driving under Suspension, Possession of a Controlled Substance and for having Contraband in a Correctional Facility. Lillard’s cash or surety bond was set at $5,300.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The man who has delighted travelers from near and far with his Christmas lights display for more than 50 years, died Sunday, Christmas Day, on his family’s farm. Jack Baird, of rural Red Oak, was 91. His obituary says “Jack loved everything about the joy and message of hope at Christmas time. When he started hanging lights on the farm to brighten the season for his own children, he had no idea of the joy he would bring to thousands of people as he grew the tradition to what it is today. For over five decades, he was always planning the next additions to enhance the display. His happiest moments each year were hearing from others that the lights made their Christmas more special.”

Funeral services for Jack Baird are set for 10:30-a.m. Saturday (Dec. 31st),  at the Center Ridge Presbyterian Church northwest, of Red Oak.  The Baird family said on their social media post today (Tuesday) that “The Christmas lights will be shining 5-10 pm nightly through this Sunday, New Year’s Night, as a loving tribute to the man who always held the spirit of Christmas in his heart.”