COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa  — With no known end date to the coronavirus fight, the American Red Cross is encouraging healthy individuals to make appointments to donate blood or platelets to ensure blood remains readily available for patients who still rely on transfusions. The need for blood for trauma patients, children battling cancer, mothers experiencing childbirth complications, patients with sickle cell disease and others continues. Donated blood has a limited shelf life of 42 days for red cells and just five days for platelets, so the supply must constantly be replenished.

Make an appointment: Healthy individuals who are feeling well are asked to make an appointment to donate this May by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance. Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to safeguard donors, volunteers and employees.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities May 1-15:

Cass County:  Atlantic –  5/14/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Atlantic YMCA, 1100 Maple Street; Griswold – 5/14/2020: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Central Church of Christ, 51 Harrison

Harrison County: Mondamin – 5/15/2020: 12:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 206 Chestnut St

Mills County: Glenwood – 5/4/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church, 512 2nd St.; 5/5/2020: 6:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., Glenwood High School, 504 East Sharp Street

Montgomery County: Red Oak – 5/11/2020: 12:30 p.m. – 5 p.m., Red Oak High School Auditorium, 2011 N 8th St.

Ringgold County: Mount Ayr – 5/12/2020: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., First Christian Church, 201 W Monroe

Shelby County: Earling – 5/4/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., St. Joseph’s Hall, 118 Main Street; Harlan – 5/4/2020: 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Petersen Family Wellness Center, 1213 Chatburn Avenue; 5/12/2020: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Veteran’s Memorial Building, 1104 Morningview

Taylor County: Lenox – 5/6/2020: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m., Community Center, 210 E. Dallas St

How to donate blood: Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

The Creston Police Department says two citizens of the community reported thefts that occurred over the past couple of weeks. A man told Police on April 25th, his garage in the 500 block of N. Walnut Street had been broken into sometime over the past three weeks. Items missing include: A Watt Generator valued at $500; an 18 volt drill valued at $200; a 20 volt saw valued at $200; a tripod and LED light valued $50, along with a vent less propane heater, valued at $300.

On April 24th, a man residing in the 400 block of Livingston Avenue, reported to Creston Police, sometime over the past week a non-running riding lawn mower with a 42-inch deck was taken from his property. The mower was valued at $200.

The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:05-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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(Radio Iowa) – The first weekend in May usually brings many thousands of campers to Iowa’s state parks but this year, with all state campgrounds closed by the pandemic, Iowans again need to change up their routine. Todd Coffelt, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Parks Bureau, suggests instead of camping out this weekend, hold a camp-in.”We are encouraging everybody to take the time to set the tent up in the back yard, use an RV, use a trailer and send a picture in,” Coffelt says. “We want to see folks still taking advantage of the nice weather, spending time together. That’s one of our big things as part of Camping Kickoff Weekend is we’re really promoting the camp-in.”

2020 is the centennial year for Iowa’s state parks. The website, Iowa D-N-R-dot-gov, has all sorts of videos, plans for outdoor adventures like a nature scavenger hunt, and coloring pages of an owl, deer, camping scenes and more. “Because we can’t get everybody to the parks for the celebration, we want to be sure they can take advantage at home,” Coffelt says. “Use some of those worksheets for the scavenger hunt, the bingo, and those pictures, again, help us make those memories and that’s what will keep bringing people back to the park.”

While most state parks remain open, all state park campgrounds are closed due to COVID-19. They’d ordinarily be filled with 20- to 30-thousand campers this weekend. “We have about 4,800 campsites across the state. There’s an average of four to six people per site, so campgrounds really become small cities,” Coffelt says. “People know what they’re doing. They get out of the winter doldrums and they’re able to bring out their excitement and all their gear, especially when we have the nice sunny weather they’re forecasting this weekend.”

If you visit a state park this weekend, he says to take the “Find Peace, Pick Up a Piece” challenge. Bring a trash bag and gloves to help pick up litter, then dispose of it at home in the spirit of “carry in, carry out,” since so many spring clean-up events were cancelled.

Post family photos to social media or to the DNR’s Facebook page with the hashtags: #IowaDNR #IowaStateParks or #IowaStateParks100.

(Radio Iowa) — It’s RE-opening day for some Iowa businesses. The governor’s order that restaurants, fitness centers and retail businesses close to slow the spread of COVID-19 has been lifted in 77 of Iowa’s 99 counties. “Iowans in many communities will have an opportunity to shop on Main Street, eat at their favorite local restaurant or attend church on Sunday if they choose,” Reynolds says.

The governor’s order limiting public gatherings to 10 or less has been lifted for religious services STATEWIDE, but many denominations do not plan to resume in-person worship. That includes the West Des Moines church Reynolds attends which is sticking with online services. Reynolds says it’s time for Iowans to learn how to manage the virus in the course of their daily lives.

“Covid-19 isn’t going anywhere anytime soon,” The virus will continue to be in our communities and unfortunately people will still get sick until a vaccine is available. Keeping businesses closed for weeks or months longer won’t change that fact and it simply is not sustainable.” Some are expressing concern that residents of the 22 counties where business closures remain in force will travel to the 77 less-populated counties and spread the virus.

Pella, for example, cancelled its annual Tulip Festival, but residents say tourist traffic increased significantly last weekend. Reynolds says she trust Iowans to do the right thing. “I believe that we can begin to get life and busienss back to normal in a safe and responsible way if we all continue to work together and to do our part,” Reynolds says. The latest state report indicates 162 Iowans have died of COVID-19 since the first fatal case was reported in early March.

Test results produced from Sunday through Wednesday morning identified more than 16-hundred new cases. Testing has been prioritized for Iowans who work in meat packing plants or health care settings, including nursing homes where outbreaks have been identified. Iowans with COVID-19 symptoms or those who’ve spent time near someone who has tested positive may also be tested.

Two Pottawattamie County men were arrested Thursday night in Fremont County, after the vehicle they were in was stopped for traveling at approximately 124 miles per hour on Interstate 29. The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office says deputies pulled the vehicle over at around 8:10-p.m., near mile marker 14.

Grennell

Pond (Photos courtesy the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office)

After they made contact with the driver, 20-year old Eric Pond, of Council Bluffs, Deputies observed the strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.  And, after a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered approximately 67 grams of marijuana and paraphernalia consistent with distribution of controlled substances.  Property reported stolen out of Omaha, Nebraska was also located in the trunk of the vehicle.

Pond was arrested for speeding, 124 MPH in a 70 MPH zone, Reckless Driving, Theft 5^th Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana. A passenger, 19-year old Cortez Grennell, also fromCouncil Bluffs, was also arrested for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana.

The Iowa State Patrol assisted the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office with the call.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:35 a.m. CDT

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds says testing for the coronavirus in the the new TestIowa program will be reliable and accurate once the machines Iowa bought for the program are validated and set up. Questions have been raised by the Salt Lake Tribune about the accuracy of tests used by the state of Utah and provided by the same company Iowa bought tests and equipment from earlier this month as part of a $26 million contract. Reynolds says the State Hygienic Laboratory in Iowa City has significant expertise in such testing and is validating the machines provided and she’s confident the FDA approved testing system will prove to be accurate.

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Officials say a second person who works within the Black Hawk County Jail in north-central Iowa has tested positive for COVID-19. The Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office says an employee of Summit Food Services, the company that prepares meals for inmates, has been infected with the virus. Sheriff’s Capt. Nathan Neff says the kitchen staff has very limited contact with jail staff and no contact with inmates. Earlier in the week, the jail announced that a nurse who works the overnight shift at the jail had also tested positive. Officials said the nurse had very little contact with staff and inmates.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A Spirit Airlines fight was forced to land in Des Moines after a fight onboard that police say started because a passenger who wanted to sleep was upset with people being too loud. Des Moines police say a flight from Los Angeles to Detroit landed at Des Moines International Airport early Thursday. KETV reports the plane was on the ground for about two hours and a passenger was taken off before it continued to Detroit. Sgt. Paul Parizek says no one was arrested. He says the passenger who was removed from the plane was allowed to leave. The investigation is continuing.

NEW SHARON, Iowa (AP) — Police in central Iowa have arrested a woman they say called 911 to report she had shot and killed her husband days earlier. The Des Moines Register reports that 69-year-old Carol Ann Davis, of New Sharon, called the emergency number Wednesday morning to report she had killed her husband at their home on Sunday. Deputies who later arrived at the home found 55-year-old Steve Davis dead with a gunshot wound to his head. Carol Ann Davis told investigators that she shot her husband in his sleep after he complained of issues at work and asked her to shoot him once he fell asleep. She’s being held on $1 million bond.

(Submitted by Atlantic FFA Advisor Eric Miller) – On Monday, April 27th, Atlantic FFA members Malena Woodward and Bryan York participated in the 9th annual Iowa Youth Institute (IYI) hosted by the World Food Prize Foundation.  Woodward and York were part of the 264 students and 110 teachers from 93 Iowa high schools. This virtual, day-long event was the first of its kind for the IYI supported by over 90 experts from across Iowa.

Bryan York

Malena Woodward

Each year, the World Food Prize Youth Institutes convene high school students, teachers and experts to explore and solve local, national and global hunger and food security issues. In order to be a part of the Iowa Youth Institute, students research and write a paper on a global challenge related to hunger and food insecurity. Currently, 25 states, the Netherlands and Honduras host Youth Institutes, where students can be selected to serve as delegates at the Global Youth Institute as part of October’s Borlaug International Dialogue.

Woodward’s paper was on the devastating natural disasters that Puerto Rico has endured in the past few years.  Woodward said, “I had fun researching and learning more information about Puerto Rico. After their two natural disasters in the last two years I feel it is important to educate the local population to become self-sufficient in growing and producing their own food.”

York’s paper focused on the ongoing conflict in Somalia and how this affects the food insecurity problem. “ I addressed the problem of the Government, the Piracy problem, and the ongoing conflict with Ethiopia over the Ogaden Plateau.  If we can fix these problems, Somalia can focus on getting food and medicine back to their people.”  York stated, “It seems many of these problems are stemming from the root of a bad government. The government of some countries have disconnected themselves from their people and have instead focused on what is best for them.”

The day began with remarks from Madeline Goebel Director, Community Outreach for the Iowa Youth Institute and Wendy Wintersteen, President of Iowa State University.  The keynote address was provided by Matt Carstens, CEO of Landus Cooperative.  Once the opening session was complete Woodward and York began Roundtable Discussions.  Students presented their research in a roundtable fashion to ISU faculty and industry professionals by using Zoom Meetings. Students were also supportive of their peers and asked questions to provide a diverse array of perspectives to the discussion. During the afternoon session students and teachers participated in virtual Immersion Discussions with World Food Prize Partners.

At the end of the day, Woodward and York were declared Bourlag Scholars and awarded a $500 scholarship to Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.  Both Woodward and York are going to be Juniors next year and have the opportunity to participate again. When talking about her experiences Woodward said, “I really enjoyed the presentation.  I thought it was interesting hearing the ideas of other students and experts trying to solve world hunger as well as hearing their input and giving me more ideas about my topic.”

This one-day event is offered at no cost to teachers or students. More details are available at www.worldfoodprize.org/iowayouth.

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors will begin re-opening County facilities on Monday, May 4, 2020, with restrictions. The Supervisors will take a phased approach to help combat the COVID-19 virus and help reduce the spread. Anyone needing in-person services with a County office will be by appointment only. Auditor Stephanie Burke says “We strongly encourage residents to continue doing business through email, phone, mail or drop box.”

There will be new safety procedures in place. Anyone that must do business in-person is required to make an appointment with the corresponding office prior to coming into the building. Visitors will be met at the door, and they must wear a mask or face covering to enter the building and are subject to other PPE requirements. The visitor will also be screened by a County employee with assessment questions that are recommended by the Center for Disease Control.

Burke said “We have to protect our employees from the public, and we have to protect the public coming in.” Only customers that are directly required to complete the transaction will be allowed. (Examples: only one parent per minor for consent, no other guests including children, etc.)

The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors will re-evaluate procedures on May 14 to see if the County needs to extend or soften the practices. The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors and all County departments thanks the community for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.

Assessor’s Office: 712-623-4171 General Assistance: 712-623-3848
Auditor’s Office/Board of Supervisors: 712-623-5127 Veteran’s Affairs: 712-623-3180
Treasurer’s Office: 712-623-3292 Option #2 Public Health: 712-623-4893
Driver’s License: 712-623-3292 Option #1 Conservation: 712-623-4753
Recorder’s Office: 712-623-4363 Secondary Roads: 712-623-5197
Clerk of Court: 712-623-4986 Mental Health: 712-623-6541

A Nebraska man was arrested Thursday following a pursuit that began when a Trooper from the Iowa State Patrol tried to initiate a traffic stop. The chase entered Tabor on Waubonsie Avenue.  Deputies located the vehicle, abandoned behind a church located at the intersection of South Street and Center Street in Tabor.

Shawn Tesori, of Omaha. (Fremont County S/O photo)

Tabor Police located a man running north between residences in the area of the Tabor City Park and he was taken into custody without incident. He was later identified as 25-year old Shawn Tesori, of Omaha. Tesori was found to be in possession of an items stolen from a vehicle in Tabor, as well as items reported stolen from a vehicle in Omaha, Nebraska.  The Fremont County K9 was deployed and located more items found to be stolen from both Tabor and Omaha.

The vehicle was found to be reported stolen out of Omaha. Tesori was placed under arrest for Theft 2^nd Degree, Eluding, Reckless Driving, Speeding, Fail to Obey Stop Sign, Burglary, and two counts of Theft 5^th Degree.  Additional charges are pending. The Mills County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Tabor Police Department, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and Fremont County K9 Unit all participated in the arrest.