Des Moines, IA – Today (Tuesday), the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) announced the intent to award seven individual contracts to entities that will serve as Disability Access Points (DAP) across the state. The full list of recipients can be found here. Included among them is Pottawattamie County (Districts 1 & 4).

Disability Access Points are district-level organizations that connect individuals with disabilities to providers who can provide the necessary services to meet their needs. DAPs provide information, assistance, person-centered planning, etc. to those who walk through their doors.

In May 2024, Governor Kim Reynolds signed into law HF2673, the historic behavioral health bill, which transfers the management of disability services from the local Mental Health Disability Services (MHDS) Regions to Iowa HHS’s Division of Aging and Disability Services (ADS).

The state’s overall management of this work allows for a streamlined focus on delivering systems of support, care and connection for all Iowans and families with disability needs. In addition, the state will build relationships and leverage opportunities to get additional providers and organizations on board to support the needs and develop a statewide Aging and Disability Resource Center Network.

“At Iowa HHS, we have been fully committed to reimagining and overhauling our systems to ensure they are entirely centered around the individuals we serve,” said Kelly Garcia, Iowa HHS Director. “While we’ve made great strides in many areas, one thing remains clear: Iowans want seamless, easy access to care, and they want to receive that care within their communities—and ultimately, in their homes. It’s equally important to make sure all aspects of our system—whether Medicaid, Public Health, or Behavioral Health—are interconnected and aligned.”

The Disability Access Points will serve the same seven districts outlined in the Behavioral Health System. Iowa HHS will work collaboratively with the DAPs to coordinate and oversee access to long-term services and supports and ensuring for well-defined access points.

“Iowans with disabilities, their families and caregivers will now have the same opportunity to access the care they need whether they are in northwest Iowa or eastern Iowa…and every point in between,” said Zach Rhein, Iowa HHS Aging and Disability Division Director. “We will work closely with our established network to enhance their reach and services, as well as our Technical Assistance and Call Center, so that any Iowan has every opportunity to reach out and be connected to the services they need.”

The new Disability Services System will begin July 1, 2025, in conjunction with the new Behavioral Health System Alignment.

To learn more about the Disability Services System and Disability Access Points, visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/initiatives/system-alignment/iowas-disability-services-system.

Atlantic, Iowa – The Cass County Democrats are hosting their annual caucus on March 1, 2025 from 9-until 11-a.m., in Heritage Hall at the Heritage House (1200 Brookridge Circle), in Atlantic. Registration starts at 8:30-a.m. During the caucus the Cass County Democrats will select committee persons to fill precinct representative vacancies, discuss priorities regarding platform resolutions, and plan activities to build community and affect legislation at the state and national level for the remainder of the year. The caucus is open to all Democrats in Cass county. Registration will be available at the caucus.

Following the caucus, and 11-a.m., Liz Garst will be the guest speaker covering the topic “Soil and Civilization”. Liz is manager of a commercial farm and director of family-owned banks. Prior to this, she worked at the World Bank and served as business manager of the Garst Seed Company. Ms. Garst is also an oral historian, serves on the Board of Directors of the Whiterock Conservancy and serves as an advisor for the Iowa Nature Conservancy.

Details:

Cass County Democrats Caucus

When: Saturday March 1, 2025 – Registration at 8:30 a.m.

Where: Heritage Hall in the Heritage House at 1200 Brookridge Circle

Who: Registered Democrats or others interested who live in Cass County

(Guthrie Center, Iowa) – The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office reports no there were no injuries following three separate accidents over the past five days. Authorities said a Dallas County man – 61-year-old Edgar Benedict, of Dawson – was cited for Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident and Failure to Provide Proof of Financial Liability (insurance), after the 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan he was driving struck a parked vehicle in Jamaica (IA).

The accident happened at around 6:40-p.m., Friday. Authorities received a call from Curt Radebaugh, of Jamaica, who said he heard a loud noise outside of his residence. When he went to investigate, Radebaugh noticed a gray van driving away and saw his 2014 Chevy Impala had been hit on the rear driver’s side. The vehicle showed evidence of a silver-gray paint transfer from the suspect vehicle that struck it, and a dent. A broken taillight not belonging to the Chevy was found at the scene. The impact caused $2,000 damage to the car.

A neighbor mentioned to the investigating deputy that his uncle – Edgar Benedict – was staying at the residence, and drove a gray mini-van. The suspect vehicle was located later that evening by Perry Police. During questioning, Benedict admitted that he was driving, but thought he had struck a rock. Damage to his van amounted to $1,000.

Late Sunday morning (Feb. 23rd), a Guthrie County Deputy was dispatched to Juniper Avenue and 310th Road, following a crash notification from a cell phone to the Guthrie County dispatch center, about a possible collision. When he arrived on the scene, the deputy spoke with 49-year-old Kirk Roccholz, of Casey, who said the 2010 Chevy Cobalt he was driving, went off the road and struck Guthrie County Secondary Roads Department “Stop Sign Ahead,” posted sign. The car also struck a culvert at a field entrance, went over the culvert, and came to rest in the brush/shrubbery. The report said Roccholz showed no signs of impairment or intoxication. His vehicle sustained $8,000 damage. Damage to the road sign was estimated at $500. No citations were issued.

And, at around 6:45-p.m., Sunday, a 2024 Chevy Suburban driven by 40-year-old David Reha, of Stuart, struck a deer on Wagon Road in rural Guthrie County. The vehicle sustained an estimated $10,000 damage.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass County Assessor, Shana Platt, today (Tuesday), announced that door-to-door inspections of all residential properties in Cass County will begin approximately March 3rd, 2025. A reappraisal project was approved by the Conference Board in February, 2021. The purpose of the reappraisal project is to equalize property assessments so that each taxpayer is responsible for paying only his/her fair share of the property tax burden. Periodic inspections and reappraisal of properties is necessary as all types of properties do not increase or decrease in value at the same rate. Some properties physically deteriorate faster than others, and in many instances similar homes located in different areas of the county will differ greatly in value due to economic factors.

Data collectors with photo ID signed by the assessor will make interior and exterior inspections of all properties. They will be compiling information to be used to estimate the fair market value of each property. Information to be collected includes type of construction, type of interior finish, physical condition of the property, age of structures and exterior measurements. A complete sales analysis, local construction costs, and economic conditions are also considered. No estimate of value will be given at the time of inspection.

Property owners are asked to cooperate by allowing a complete inspection of their property and providing accurate information so that a fair and equitable assessment may be determined for each property.
The preliminary data collection process will begin in March, 2025. The project is scheduled for completion December 31st, 2026.

Notice of final value estimates will be mailed to each property owner after January 1, 2027. The property owners will have an opportunity to meet informally to discuss their revaluation in the spring of 2027.
The new assessed values will be effective for January 1, 2027 for taxes payable in fiscal 2028-2029.

Representatives of Vanguard Appraisals, Inc. in conjunction with the Cass County Assessor’s Office will be conducting this project. All law enforcement agencies as well as the Cass County Assessor’s Office will be apprised of the areas where data collectors are working. They will also have a listing of all names and license plate numbers of anyone involved in the project.

If any property owner has questions regarding the reappraisal project, they are urged to contact the Cass County Assessor’s at 712-243-2005 or email: stplatt@casscoia.us

DES MOINES, Iowa – More than 3,100 acres of Iowa land in 24 counties with an estimated value of more than $7.6 million was permanently protected through donations for conservation. The donors associated with 23 donations of land or land value will be recognized during a ceremony on March 13, from 2 to 3 p.m., in the first floor rotunda, at the State Capitol, in Des Moines.

Landowners who are in attendance will be honored individually for their donation. For more information about individual donations, visit the DNR website at www.iowadnr.gov/landdonors.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions has received the 2024 Program Finalist of the Year Award from Psychiatric Medical Care, which manages the program. According to the facility, Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC) partners with more than 250 hospitals and health systems across the country to provide behavioral healthcare services. Top-performing employees and Senior Life Solutions programs are recognized annually based on their excellence in demonstrating PMC’s values of care, compliance, and community. Award recipients were chosen for providing outstanding patient care, excellent comprehension and execution of compliance regulations, and strong community engagement.

Senior Life Solutions Program Director Karmen Roland, RN, says “It was an unexpected surprise to have received this great honor. I am truly humbled and grateful to see my team being acknowledged for all the hard work they have put into improving the lives of our community members.”

Cass Health’s Senior Life Solutions program supports the unique needs of individuals, typically 65 and older, experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, grief and other mental health challenges that are often associated with aging. Senior Life Solutions program staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, a nurse practitioner, a licensed therapist, a registered nurse, and other trained professionals to ensure each patient receives the best possible care.

Families, friends, community members, physicians, self-referrals, or other health professionals can refer people to the program. For more information, education, or if you would like to discuss support, please call 712-250-8100.

Cass Health Senior Life Solutions award for 2025 (Photo submitted)

ABOUT SENIOR LIFE SOLUTIONS

Senior Life Solutions is managed by Psychiatric Medical Care (PMC). Founded in 2003, PMC is a leading behavioral healthcare management company. Focused on addressing the needs of rural and underserved communities, PMC manages inpatient behavioral health units, intensive outpatient programs, and telehealth services in more than 35 states. The company’s services provide evaluation and treatment for patients suffering from depression, anxiety, mood disorders, memory problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other behavioral health problems. For more information, visit www.seniorlifesolutions.com

(Radio Iowa) – A senate subcommittee has unanimously voted to require that online sports wagering companies withhold state taxes from Iowans who win at least five-thousand dollars. Tyler Ackerson of the Iowa Department of Revenue says the bill makes it easier for sports book operators to know when to withhold taxes.

The bill would align Iowa’s withholding requirement with federal tax policy.

ALL winning bets on sporting events are considered ordinary taxable income and Iowans are to pay a six-point-75 percent tax on those winnings — regardless of the amount of their winning wagers.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County 4-H Endowment committee will host their annual 4-H Endowment Pancake Supper on Thursday, March 13 from 4:30-p.m. until 7:30-p.m. at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. The Pancake Man will be dishing up fresh pancakes while 4-H members serve sausage, milk, juice, and coffee. Supporters can enjoy all you can eat pancakes, cost is $8/adult and $6/youth 10 & under.

A silent auction will take place throughout the evening. Local 4-H clubs in Cass County as well as additional friends of 4-H and local business supporters, can donate items. If a community business is interested in supporting the Pancake Supper with a Silent Auction donation, please contact the Extension Office. Baskets need to be at the office by Friday, March 7th at 4:30-p.m. Cass County Youth Coordinator Katie Bateman says “The silent auction is a really fun added activity to the event. I love to see the little competitions that get started as well. When we make final announcements about closing down bidding, people and pens really get to moving!” Bateman added, “We will be featuring different baskets on our Cass County 4-H and Extension social media pages the first weekend of March. Be sure to check out the previews and find a favorite to bid on!”

Proceeds from the 4-H Pancake Supper directly benefit the Cass County 4-H Program. All funds raised go to the Cass County 4-H Endowment. There is a committee that distributes money to cover the 4-H Program Development Fee for all Cass County 4-H and Clover Kid members, financial aid for out of county events, senior scholarships, and start-up dollars for innovative youth programs.

The 4-H Program Development Fee is $40 per youth each year to enroll. Instead of having individual 4-H’ers and families take on that expense, the Cass County Extension Council and the 4-H Endowment Committee pick up this cost for our members. Katie Bateman says “We are very fortunate in Cass County that our 4-H Endowment covers this cost for all members. That would not be possible for us to continue without the outstanding support from our community.”

The Cass County 4-H Endowment also offers grants for youth to attend 4-H camps or conferences outside of Cass County, encouraging them to take their 4-H experience to the next level. They also offer scholarships to graduating senior 4-Hers.

Members of Pleasant Noble United helping serve butter, silverware, and sausage at the 2024 Annual Cass County 4-H Endowment Pancake Supper. Left to Right: Hunter Wise, Gage Ritter, Emma Ritter. (Photo courtesy Katie Bateman)

For more information on the Pancake Supper, Cass County 4-H Endowment or how to join 4-H, contact Katie Bateman, Cass County Youth Coordinator, at 243-1132 or kbateman@iastate.edu.

(Radio Iowa) – While President Trump says he personally plans to check on the nation’s massive gold stockpile at Fort Knox, Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says other ranking government officials have verified the supply of precious metal is indeed there and safe. Grassley sent a Tweet on Sunday to correct reports that indicated it’s been decades since outside sources confirmed the gold’s presence in the Kentucky stronghold. “I read that a group had gone there in ’74,” Grassley says, “and then the president was going to go, and you got the assumption that nobody had been to Fort Knox since ’74 and I wanted them to know that I had visited there in ’76.” Grassley says his visit to Fort Knox in the nation’s bicentennial year had nothing to do with conspiracy theories, rather, he was there as a student of history. He recalls seeing the vast hoard of gold with his own eyes.

“When I went into Fort Knox, you could view the piles of gold,” Grassley says. “There were separate sections of the vault, and each separate section had a door that was locked, but it had a peephole, maybe six inches square, maybe a foot square, I don’t remember anymore, and you saw the stacks of gold brick there.” The military installation is legendary for its high level of security, though Trump’s post on X Monday said “…maybe somebody stole the gold. Tons of gold.” Grassley says he heard over the weekend how very recent tours of Fort Knox confirm the many thousands of gold bars housed there are safe and sound.

“The new Secretary of Treasury said something like on September 30th, there was an inventory taken at that particular time,” Grassley says. “I suppose that’s the end of the fiscal year, and maybe that’s something they do annually, I don’t know that, but he said, ‘I can assure you that the gold’s there.'” During a conference call with Iowa reporters, Grassley was asked about the gold’s relevance, since President Nixon took the U-S off the so-called gold standard in 1971, which had linked the country’s currency directly to gold.

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (official photo)

“I suppose it’d be one penny on the dollar, maybe not even that, that we have gold backing our business,” Grassley says. “It’s hard for me to say the role that gold pays, but if somebody was demanding payment in gold, we’d have to have a supply to pay them. Now that doesn’t happen very often, thank God.” President Trump said Monday he intends to visit Fort Knox soon to make sure the gold is still there. He’d be the first president to do so since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943. Reports say the depository contains more than 147-million troy ounces of gold, which would peg its value around 436-billion dollars.