IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Elections officials in Iowa are worried about the state’s rising number of coronavirus cases, saying that any illnesses or absences among key workers and volunteers could hinder their services through Election Day. A week before the election, Iowa is reporting a new high 7-day average of about 1,300 daily infections, record numbers of hospitalizations and a surge in deaths.

County elections commissioners say they hope the virus does not sideline any of their small full-time staffs and experienced poll workers. Officials warn any unexpected absences or last-minute substitutes could lead to delays and long lines, particularly because social distance will be required for those waiting.

Rural customers west of Clarinda, west of Bedford and west & north of Gravity are going to be getting Fiber Internet service from FMTC’s Fiber-to-the-Home network. USDA and FMTC officials say the service will be implemented after the company completes a project which has been funded by USDA’s ReConnect program. The project will bring ultra-fast, reliable and unlimited Fiber Internet service to 954 people, 115 farms and at least eight businesses in Page and Taylor counties, after the more than 167 miles of fiber is buried.

Kevin Cabbage, FMTC CEO, says “FMTC is pleased to receive a USDA ReConnect 50/50 Grant/Loan award of $4.8million to bring service to customers in these areas –who need it so badly. We hope to start this project in late 2021 or spring of 2022, yet we’ve learned that with fiber projects many factors will impact the timeline. The program allows us 5 years to complete the project, but clearly we hope to do it quicker, because we know customers are in need of great Internet.”

Cabbage mentioned that the map shown at an on-line award presentation last week, just shows the areas that were eligible to receive that ReConnect funding –and that FMTC will likely build to a few more locations in the region than are shown on the award maps. He said that part of their planning involves making those decisions and then communicating with customers who can get service.

Rural Red Oak customers, Cabbage says, are certainly interested to learn the status of the project that will bring them Fiber Internet. In December of 2019, FMTC was awarded 6.45 million in the first round of the ReConnect awards. The pandemic had a big impact on USDA’s ability to allow FMTC to submit or approve paperwork –which slowed the project’s start. All paperwork is in order now, and work was set to begin this fall on the building in Red Oak that will house the fiber equipment.

Plans call for fiber construction crews to start in May 2021. FMTC’s Fiber Internet is reliable and capable of delivering ultra-fast Internet of up-to-1,000Mb (1Gig)to each customer. Information about these projects or FMTC can be found on their website at myfmtc.com, under the Fiber Projects menu

Atlantic, IA — Cass County Public Health has a limited supply of influenza vaccine as part of an initiative to immunize adults with no insurance, who are under-insured, or who have limited access to influenza vaccine.

Appointments are required and can be made by calling Cass County Public Health at 712-250-8008. The vaccine will be administered in their office at 1408 East 10th Street. Weekend appointments may also be available; if needed, please ask when you call to schedule.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided adult influenza vaccines to states to increase influenza vaccine coverage in the United States as a critical part of COVID-19 response work. Increasing adult influenza coverage will result in a decreased strain on the nation’s health care system.

This one-time initiative for the 2000-21 influenza season allowed states to order adult influenza vaccine and provide it to those who are uninsured, under-insured, or live in areas where they may have limited access to receive the vaccine.

BONDURANT, Iowa (AP) — Amazon has announced it’s looking for more than 1,000 employees to help fill customer orders at its new Bondurant facility, and early applicants could see $500 bonuses. The online retailer says work at the new warehouse is expected to open at the end of 2020. Kirsten Wenker with Amazon tells television station KCCI that jobs range from picking, packing and shipping to human resources and information and technology positions.

Positions start at $15 per hour and come with comprehensive benefits including health, dental and a 401(k) from the first day. The company said it will offer a $500 bonus for people who apply early.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new special agent in charge has been name to the Omaha field office of the FBI. The agency says Eugene Kowel started his new post in Omaha on Monday. The office covers covers Nebraska and Iowa. Kowel started his career with the FBI in 2005 and has worked in the New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles field offices, as well as FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C.

A graduate of the University of Virginia, he earned his law degree from the New York University School of Law and served as an assistant district attorney in New York City before joining the FBI. Kowel replaces Kristi Koons Johnson, who served in the role for nearly 14 months before she was named assistant director in charge of the Los Angeles field office.

Sheriff’s officials in Union County say an Afton man was arrested Monday night on an assault charge. 47-year-old Christopher Hatfield Davis faces a charge of Domestic Assault. He was being held in the Union County Jail without bond, until seen by a Judge.