(Radio Iowa) – An investment firm has outbid the University of Iowa in the bankruptcy court auction of Mercy Hospital in Iowa City. Texas-based Preston Hollow Community Capital had invested nearly 42 million dollars in Mercy Iowa City in 2018. Preston Hollow has announced a California company with experience in rehabilitating hospitals around the country will step in and continue to operate Mercy Iowa City as a community hospital. Mercy Iowa City filed for bankruptcy in August. The University of Iowa had offered a 20 million dollar bid to merge Mercy Iowa City operations into its health care system.

Mercy Iowa City executives say transition plans are underway and American Healthcare Systems is likely to begin managing the hospital next month. The amount of the winning bid for the hospital has not been disclosed. A bannkruptcy court hearing to approve the deal is set for later today (Wednesday). The president of the University of Iowa and the dean of its College of Medicine released a statement early this (Wednesday) morning, saying they are disappointed in the outcome because they believe there is value in having patient care delivered by an Iowa-based health system — but the two added they are heartened the selected bidder is committed to keeping Mercy Iowa City as a hospital.

(Creston, Iowa) – A man from Creston was arrested Tuesday evening for Public Intoxication and on two counts of Assault. Creston Police report 20-year-old Garrett Neal Thomson was arrested at 408. S. Vine Street, at around 6:15-p.m. He was taken to Union County Jail and held without bond, until seen by a Magistrate Judge.

OMAHA, Neb. (KETV) –  One person was pinned and two other people were injured after a partial building collapse in Council Bluffs on Tuesday afternoon. The building is part of Decker Plastics, a packaging group, located near S 11th Street and 2nd Avenue. According to Council Bluffs police, there were roof rafters being put up as part of new construction at the building when one fell and pinned a worker.

Two other people were injured, but were able to walk out of the building, according to authorities. The injuries are not believed to be life-threatening at this time.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Board of Education in the Atlantic Community School District will meet this (Wednesday) evening in the Atlantic High School Media Center, beginning at 5:30-p.m. Among the items on their agenda, is a presentation from Booster Club President Brian Wagner, and a Bryce Smith, Carry Pellett, Lori & Barry Reid, who are expected to talk about an Aviation program and related opportunities for students.

The Board will act on approving contract recommendations for: Lily Renfro – Elementary Paraeducator; Rick Boysen – Substitute Bus Driver, and the following Spring 2024 Sports Coach recommendations from High School Asst. Principal/Activities Director Andy Mitchell:

In other business, the Atlantic School Board will discuss the Director of Health services position. Earlier, it was noted the School Nurse had resigned, and the District was advertising to replace a person in the position. During the Board’s Work Session on Sept. 27th, it was mentioned two applications for the position had been received, and that administrators were looking at having a plan in-place to cover District health needs until the position is filled. The Board is expected to act on the Director of Health Services position following additional discussion items.

They are also expected to approve a request from Junior Class Sponsor Andy Mitchell, for a fundraising activity during the week of Oct. 16th. About 100 students will be involved in the activity, selling plain or frosted Krispy Kreme donuts to friends, family and interested District patrons. Proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards Prom 2024 and Graduation 2025. Following their regular business agenda, the Atlantic School Board is expected to enter into a Closed Session for the purpose of discussing whether to conduct a hearing or hearings, to suspend or expel a student, unless an open session is requested by the student or  their parent/guardian, if the student is a minor, as allowed under the Code of Iowa.

View the full agenda HERE. Watch the school board meeting beginning at 5:30-p.m. via YouTube, HERE.