Iowa’s three Republican congressman today (Thursday) voted for the health care bill that cleared the U.S. House. Congressman Steve King invited FORMER Minnesota Congresswoman Michele Bachman onto the House floor. King says that means the two of them were able to press the “yes” button together.

King and Bachmann were the first Republicans in congress to introduce bills seven years ago that called for repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Republican Congressmen Rod Blum of Dubuque and David Young of Van Meter also voted for the G-O-P’s health care law, designed to replace “ObamaCare.”

Democrats were quick to criticize, saying the G-O-P’s replacement is a “scam” that will hurt millions. Republican groups praised the action, saying it shows the G-O-P is following through on its campaign promises.

The lone Democrat in Iowa’s congressional delegation voted against the bill today (Thursday). Congressman Dave Loebsack of Iowa City says the legislation put more than 171-thousand Iowans “in jeopardy” of losing their health insurance coverage. Loebsack also says the bill “opens the door to eliminating the guarantee” that Americans cannot be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.

(Radio Iowa)

Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope today (Thursday), said one person was transported to the hospital and another treated at the scene, of an accident that took place Wednesday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 2 and 211th Avenue, in Percival.

Aistrope says 47-year old Crystal Anderson, of Hamburg, was driving a 2001 Chevy Silverado west bound on Highway 2.  24-year old Hannah Boehm, of Elkhorn, Nebraska was driving a 2002 Chevy Tahoe, and attempting to make a left turn from 211th Avenue onto Highway 2.  The Sheriff says Boehm’s vision was blocked by a semi turning on to 211th Avenue. When she entered the intersection, her SUV collided with Anderson’s pickup.

Afterward, Anderson was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City, by Percival Rescue. Boehm was uninjured, and a passenger in Boehm’s SUVe was treated and released on the scene by EMS providers. The Iowa State Patrol and Percival and Sidney Fire and Rescue Departments assisted the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office with the call.

Sheriff Aistrope reports Wednesday’s accident was the third such injury accident to have taken place at that intersection, since February 28th.

The Atlantic Police Department will hold its Annual Summer Campout for boys and girls ages 9-to 11, June 23rd through the 25th, at Lake Anita. Applications may be picked up at, and turned in to the Atlantic Police Department, by no later than 4-p.m. Thursday, May 25th.

There is a limit of eight boys and eight girls who will be chosen to attend the campout. All applications will be read and chosen by the Officers conducting the campout, and Police Chief Dave Erickson.

For additional information, call the Police Department administrative line at 243-3512.

The Griswold Community School District’s Facilities Committee will hold a work session 5:30-p.m. Friday in the Middle School/High School Library. The purpose of the work session is to assess the current educational facilities. Afterward, available school board members will attend a Community Meeting in the Middle School/High School Auditorium, where members of the Facilities Committee will share details with the public, about a potential elementary building project.

The Community meeting gets underway at 7-p.m., Friday.

A traffic stop at around 7-a.m. today (Thursday) in Adams County resulted in the driver of a vehicle being arrested for OWI/2nd offense and Driving While Revoked. 28-year old Trisha Mitchell, of Lenox, was brought to the Adams County Jail, where she refused to take a test for impairment. She was being held in the jail on a $2,000 cash bond.

If you’re looking for a fun, enriching adventure for the kids this summer, keep in mind six Iowa state parks will host the popular University of Iowa Wildlife Camps for local families. The conservation education day-camp program will be offered at Maquoketa Caves, Mines of Spain, George Wyth, Springbrook, Viking Lake and Ledges state parks.

The camps are for students entering 3rd-6th grade. Campers can expect to spend a week exploring, playing and learning about the natural environment and unique features of their state park, its wildlife and their habitats. Cost of the 5-day camp is $100 per child.

In southwest Iowa the dates of each day camp are:

·         Viking Lake State Park (Stanton): June 12-16

·         Springbrook State Park (Guthrie Center): June 26-30

Enrollment is limited to 40 students per camp and the camps have a history of filling fast. For details about each camp and to register, visit recserv.uiowa.edu/wildlife-camps-state-parks

The expansion of the University of Iowa program comes after the camps received a Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant from the Department of Natural Resources to pilot the program in Iowa state parks. Wildlife Camps is operated under University of Iowa Recreational Services.

Officials with the Creston Police Department report 24-year old Noble Murren, of Lamoni, was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Creston, on a Union County Warrant for Violation of Probation on the original charge, of Possession of a Controlled Substance. Murren was subsequently released from the Union County Jail on a $1000 bond.