The Iowa Department of Transportation has clarified an earlier press release pertaining to the temporary closing of Interstate 80 at Exit 51. Scott Suhr, DOT District 4 Planning Coordinator, told KJAN News the earlier announcement should have specified Exit 51 is in Council Bluffs along I-80/29, not the Marne Exit, as we had earlier reported.
The westbound interstate will be closed overnight Wednesday and Thursday at Exit 51 in Council Bluffs from 10-p.m. Until 6-a.m. Each day, so that crews may change overhead signs along the interstate.
Again, this does NOT affect I-80 westbound at the Marne interchange.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Warnings and watches for mostly minor flooding have been issued for several Iowa rivers. The National Weather Service posted or continued warnings Tuesday for the Cedar, Iowa, Maquoketa, Mississippi, North Raccoon, Rock and Wapsipinicon rivers. More rain is expected to fall on already saturated ground and eventually flow into already swollen streams and rivers.

Cedar Rapids is preparing its Cedar River flood defenses for a Sunday crest of more than 6 feet (2 meters) of above flood stage. Davenport is closing a street to install flood protection along the rising Mississippi River.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been awarded $3.5 million over five years to implement the “Zero Suicide” model across Iowa. The state will partner with Foundation2, IDPH’s contractor for the Your Life Iowa helpline, and with treatment programs across the state to ensure all 99 counties are represented. Foundation2 answers Your Life Iowa calls, texts and chats for the state.

The purpose of this program is to implement suicide prevention and intervention programs that are designed to raise awareness of suicide, establish referral processes, and improve care and outcomes for individuals who are at risk of suicide. In addition, the state will contract with Foundation 2 to provide training and technical assistance in support of Zero Suicide strategic plans, including Suicide Care Management plans and follow-ups.

All award recipients, as well as IDPH staff, will be trained in the Zero Suicide model and additional trainings will be offered through the life of the grant funding. According to IDPH, suicide is the second leading cause of death for Iowans ages 15 through 34, and the ninth leading cause of death overall in Iowa. 433 Iowans died by suicide in 2017. If you are feeling suicidal or are concerned about someone else, please contact Your Life Iowa by calling (855) 581-8111, texting (855) 895-8398 or using the online chat function at https://yourlifeiowa.org/. For more information about Zero Suicide, visit http://zerosuicide.sprc.org/.

The Adair County Board of Supervisors has a full agenda for their meeting 9-a.m. Wednesday at the courthouse, in Greenfield. County Engineer Nick Kauffman will present a Road Agreement between the City of Greenfield and MidAmerican Energy, along with the final vouchers for Gus Construction’ box culvert projects for Board signatures. The Board will also sign a final voucher for Henningsen Construction on a Hot Melt Asphalt project on County Road N-72.

At around 9:20-a.m. Wednesday, Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater will discuss the purchase of a new Sheriff’s vehicle. Afterward, Vandewater and EMA Director Bob Kempf will also present a discussion with regard to a 700 megahertz Radio System.

At around 9:45-a.m., Jenny McIvor, Vice President Environmental Policy and Chief Environmental Counsel, will discuss a Berkshire Hathaway Energy Company Habitat Conservation Plan, and at 10-a.m., VA Commissioner John Schildberg will lead discussion with regard to a Veterans Affairs Lease. And finally, at around 10:15-a.m. Wednesday, the Adair County Supervisors will discuss a Comprehensive Ordinance on Wind Farms. The discussion was tabled during last week’s meeting.