(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s governor has signed a law that forbids teaching that the United States is systemically or fundamentally racist or sexist. The ban applies to public schools, colleges and universities as well as government agencies that have diversity training. The bill does not mention a concept called “critical race theory” — but in a written statement Governor Kim Reynolds did — and Reynolds said she was glad to sign the bill and promote learning rather than the discriminatory indoctrination she says is embedded in critical race theory.

Opponents of the new law is very similar to an executive order President Trump issued on the topic and may stifle productive discussions about racism and sexism.

MINBURN—The city of Minburn has issued a precautionary bottled water advisory after the town lost pressure Monday following a water main break. Residents should use an alternate source of water for drinking until notified that the water is safe to drink.

Use bottled water for infants. Do not give the water to infants less than six months old or use it to make infant formula. The water may have levels of manganese above the health advisory level, which may affect their learning and behavior.

For older children and adults, the city and DNR recommend using bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth or preparing food. Tap water can safely be used for bathing and similar uses. Do not boil the water as it may increase manganese levels.

Pregnant women and those with specific health concerns may want to check with their doctors.

The pressure loss affected the entire town. While repairing the first leak, contractors found another leak. As they complete repairs Tuesday, water lines will be disinfected and flushed. Then the city will collect four water samples, collecting another four samples the following day. When both sets of samples show no bacteria are present, the city will lift the drinking water advisory.

Contact City Councilman Joe Stuetelberg at 515-419-1183 or the Water Supply Operator, Mitch Johnson, at 515-669-1103 for more information.

(Radio Iowa) – There’s a promise of some relief for the 66-thousand Iowans who are now living with the most common cause of dementia. Lauren Livingston, communications director for the Iowa chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, says there’s much optimism as the F-D-A on Monday approved a drug for treating the disease, which she calls “historic” and the beginning of a completely new future.

“The science and research that went into it and behind it and all the data that came from it really shows that this drug does help people, especially in the mild cognitive impairment and early stages of Alzheimer’s to slow the progression of the disease,” Livingston says. “It gives them back more time with their families, doing the things they love.” The drug aducanumab is being produced by Biogen and she says there’s an important distinction, it’s a treatment for Alzheimer’s and not a cure.

“There are several other drugs on the market that help with some of the symptoms of the disease but this is the first one that actually changes the disease and slows the progression,” Livingston says. “It doesn’t reverse the disease but it does slow down the progression so someone’s not advancing through that early, middle and late stages quite as fast.” This is billed as the first drug that slows Alzheimer’s disease, and she says the drug addresses the disease in a way that has never been done before, compared to currently approved drugs.

“It’s the first treatment that we’ve had in 20 years, so it’s a huge day,” Livingston says. “It’s going to lead to that second, third, fourth and ultimately, a cure. So, it’s really a step in the right direction. It’s going to invigorate more research into other treatments that are in the pipeline and I think we’re going to see more treatments coming out much sooner than another 20 years from now.” It is anticipated that the drug will be made widely available in the very near future.

“Biogen, the maker of the drug, has been ramping things up in expectation that hopefully it would be approved,” Livingston says. “We don’t know yet the cost or the process to get it but we really encourage anyone who is interested in trying to get access to the drug to talk to their health care provider.” Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative and fatal brain disease. While 66,000 Iowans are now diagnosed with it, by 2025, that number is expected to grow to 74,000.

(Radio Iowa) – An Iowan shown on video leading a crowd of rioters behind the U-S Senate on January 6th is asking to be released from prison as he awaits his trial. Forty-one-year-old Doug Jensen of Des Moines is pleading not guilty to charges related to his alleged involvement in the attack on the U-S Capitol, including entering a restricted building with a knife.

Jensen’s attorney says his client now feels duped by conspiracy theories and realizes his confrontation with a Capitol Police officer was — in a word – “silly.”

The lawyer says Jensen now believes he was misled by then-President Trump and fed a “pack of lies” on social media. A judge has set Jensen’s bond hearing for June 24th and Jensen’s attorney plans to play parts of a two-hour interview with Jensen in court and have Jensen’s wife testify .

The Adair County Board of Supervisors will meet in a regular session beginning 9-a.m. Wednesday, at the courthouse Courtroom in Greenfield. On their agenda, is County Attorney Melissa Larson, who will lead more discussion on Solar Panels. The Board last month, passed a Solar Panel/Solar Farm Ordinance, that includes a cap of 400 total acres of utility-scale solar energy development in the county. The ordinance covers setbacks from occupied residences and non-participating parcels, along with road right-of-ways and limits on placement near a public airport.

In other business, the Board will act on approving: Sheriff Training Expenses, and, Homestead and Military Disallowances. The will receive an update on COVID-19 and an American Rescue Plan Act Award Contract. County Engineer Nick Kauffman will present an award Resolution to be signed for the G-61 County Line Grading (a joint Cass-Adair County project), and he’ll have a report on his departmental activities and maintenance matters.

The public will be allowed to attend the meeting, but attendance will be limited to 21 people, to allow for social distancing. Those who wish to listen and/or speak, but who cannot attend in-person, may call-in just before the meeting starts, so names can be obtained for the public record. Call 605-313-6157, and use access code 526272# when prompted.