Atlantic, IA—The Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund has granted funds to Cass County Public Health for the purpose of purchasing and delivering food to self-isolating individuals due to COVID-19. Cass County Public Health Director Beth Olsen, says “We have a number of volunteers and organizations partnering together to make sure all people who are isolating at home in Cass County will have access to food and food delivery. Our main goal is to keep everyone home and fed, no matter the income level.”

Individuals should contact Cass County Public Health Monday through Friday at 712-243-7443 with questions or for grocery and delivery needs. Olsen says “Some people may be able to pay in full for their groceries, but they need help with ordering and delivery. Or, some people may be able to only pay for a portion of their grocery needs. We’re happy to help in any way that we can. We want to thank all of the community members who have been already helping out, and we’re thankful for this grant that will support Cass County residents.”

The Southwest Iowa COVID-19 Response Fund is a partnership between the Iowa West Foundation, Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, and Council Bluffs Schools Foundation.

Here is the video feed for Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ Monday press briefing on COVID-19. KJAN will have live audio of the presser as well at about 11:00 a.m.

TAMA, Iowa (AP) — A beef processing plant in one of Iowa’s coronavirus hot spots has suspended production after several workers have become infected. National Beef announced that its Iowa Premium plant in Tama will be idled until April 20. The company said numerous employees had contracted COVID-19 and that others were exhibiting flu-like symptoms. It’s at least the second meat processing plant in Iowa to suspend operations after workers have become infected. Tyson Foods last week idled its Columbus Junction pork plant. Tama County has been among the hardest hit by the coronavirus in Iowa, with 86 confirmed cases and two deaths

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Experts working to develop models to help Iowa public health officials predict and manage the coronavirus pandemic are racing against time. A contract shows the Iowa Department of Public Health and the University of Iowa College of Public Health didn’t reach a formal agreement to work together to create Iowa-specific pandemic models until April 7. The agreement calls for the college to produce predictive models within two weeks of receiving the department’s coronavirus data, or on another mutually agreed upon schedule. The goal of the models is to help Iowa public health officials and Gov. Kim Reynolds predict the severity of the outbreak and make decisions about specific mitigation strategies.

More State and area news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Authorities in Creston say a Creston Police Officer on patrol last Thursday morning, observed damage to campers parked on Cedar St. The Officer made contact with owner Casey Barber, who, after checking on his property, advised that two windows had been broken out of the campers. It’s not clear when the vandalism occurred. The damage was estimated at $200.

The area’s latest and/or top news stories at 7:06-a.m. From KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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Police in Council Bluffs are looking for a man suspected of being involved in a shooting incident that took place early this (Monday) morning. 43-year old Robert Brokman, of Council Bluffs, is believed to be traveling in a maroon or purple SUV. He is also believed to still be armed and dangerous, so if you see him, do not make contact. If you know where Brokman is, call Council Bluffs Police at 712-328-4728 or Crime Stoppers at 712-328-7867(STOP).

Robert Brokman

Authorities say at around 2:11-a.m. (April 13) officers were sent to the 700blk of So. 32^nd for a possible shooting. When they arrived, police located a white female suffering from minor injuries, and four shotgun shell casings at the scene. The victim, 37-year old Taiela Garcia, of Council Bluffs, was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa sheriff has been arrested and charged with domestic abuse and assault. The Des Moines Register on Sunday reported Calhoun County Sheriff Scott Anderson’s arrest. Jail staff confirmed to the newspaper that Anderson was admitted to Webster County Jail. He’s since been released on bond. Court records show Anderson’s ex-wife filed a petition for relief of domestic abuse in October but was denied. Anderson is up for re-election this year.

(Radio Iowa) — Tree pollen season is starting to peak in Iowa, prompting some allergy sufferers to question whether their health troubles are routine or something more sinister. Dr. Jill Poole, an allergist in Omaha/Council Bluffs, says coronavirus shows itself through signs that are much different from seasonal allergies. “The symptoms we most commonly see are going to be itchiness and sneezing, those are your classic spring allergy symptoms,” Dr. Poole says. “That differs from the coronavirus which is usually going to be marked by new symptoms of shortness of breath, a dry cough and a fever.”

Between 20- and 40-percent of all Americans have seasonal allergies, so they’re fairly common. Poole says some people are so caught up with following coronavirus, they forget to use common sense and don’t realize the clear contrasts between allergies and COVID-19. “One way to know the difference is to be aware of your own history,” Poole says. “Most people who had allergies last year will have them again this year. If every year, you start noticing these symptoms, expect that to be what it is this year again. But if you have new symptoms, that’s when there’s cause for concern.”

With all of the disruptions in our daily lives because of the pandemic, many Iowans are under more stress, which Poole says can impact all sorts of chronic diseases. “Stress can certainly affect allergies and asthma,” she says. “I would advise people to try to get control, control helps people deal with stress. Know what your symptoms are, know your own history, and make sure you are supplied with your allergy medications.”

Tree pollen is usually at its worst in Iowa during April through June. Poole suggests you -not- leave your windows open, as that lets the pollen in. Also, if you’ve been outside exercising or doing yard work, shower once you get back inside and change your clothes. Poole is an allergist at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine in Omaha.