The area’s top news at 7:07-a.m., w/KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

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Governor Terry Branstad says some health care providers are trying to scare the public about the state’s transition to a privately managed Medicaid system. Branstad was asked Monday about the concerns some providers have expressed that they won’t get paid as much under the new system, and some smaller providers might have to go out of business. “Well, that’s just not true. Actually if they become providers under the new system, they’ll get paid at the same level,” Branstad says.

He says the new fees may be based more on outcomes than procedures performed, which could mean lower profits for some providers. “There’s a lot of misinformation being put out by some people who are trying to scare people. You know, I don’t like these scare tactics, I think we need to give people accurate information,” Branstad says. “What we’re doing is what 26 states have already done, including big states like New York and California. Some of the same providers — three of the four we’re looking at — are already providers, providing Medicaid services in the state of New York.”

Branstad says the new system is being phased in. “I understand some providers kind of like the current system, because the more procedures you do, the more you get paid,” according to Branstad. The governor was asked again if some providers might go out of business. “No, no, this is all a scare tactic. Now listen, the providers all they have to do is sign a contract and they will get reimbursed at the same level,” Branstad replied. The privately managed plan is set to go into effect on January 1st.

(Radio Iowa)

Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller took part in a news conference in Washington, D.C., Monday, as federal Department of Justice and Education officials announced a $95.5 million dollar “false claims” settlement with a for-profit education company. Education Management Corporation (EDMC), based in Pennsylvania, operates 110 schools in 32 states. Miller said EDMC was accused of deceptive marketing and recruitment practices and making false claims about job placement.

“There are broad prohibitions about unfair, deceptive, and misleading claims made in the recruitment process…and abusive recruitment methods,” Miller said. Brown Mackie College in Bettendorf is among the colleges owned and operated by EDMC. More than 600 former Iowa students will have roughly a half million dollars in loans forgiven under the settlement.

“There are provisions for forgiveness of loans in this agreement with EDMC…$102.8 million in loans owed to EDMC. That’s about 80,000 students and $1,370 on average,” Miller said. EDMC is the second largest for-profit education company in the country. About 90 percent of its revenue comes from taxpayers in the form of federal education funding.

(Radio Iowa)

Out of all the fire departments across the state that took part in this year’s Iowa Healthiest State Initiative Contest just for firefighters, the Creston Fire Department was singled out as the winner. Creston Fire Chief Todd Jackson says it was a pleasant surprise to be recognized — and even better to get the one-thousand dollar check from the state. “What we’re hoping to do with the $1,000 is, we already have $1,000 budgeted for our firefighter physicals and we’re going to add that to it to increase the number of physicals we’ll be able to do,” Chief Jackson says.

Communities, schools, fire departments and other groups organized some 880 Healthiest State Walks this fall with events in all 99 counties statewide. The check was presented to the Creston Fire Department by Iowa Lottery C-E-O Terry Rich, who is also chairman of the Iowa Heathiest State Initiative. “Creston was part of many fire departments and schools across the state that did both a fire drill and a walk, which was so important,” Rich says. “We thought this was a really good opportunity for the fall to emphasize the need for safety between fire drills and this Healthiest State Initiative, so we’re real proud of Creston.”

According to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, Iowa ranks 16th in the nation when it comes to being physically, emotionally and mentally healthy. Through various programs in the initiative, Iowa is aiming to eventually become number-one.
http://www.iowahealthieststate.com.

(Radio Iowa)

Police in Red Oak arrested a local man for Trespassing this (Tuesday) morning. 23-year old Michael Eugene Sickels, of Red Oak, was arrested at a residence in the 100 block of E. Walnut Street, at around 5:40-a.m. Sickels was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $300 bond.

A man from Adams County was arrested on drug charges early this (Tuesday) morning, in Red Oak. Authorities say 50-year old Douglas Dean Erickson, of Corning, was arrested at around 1:35-a.m. at the intersection of N. 4th and E. Corning Streets. He’s been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance/Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and OWI/Drugged – 1st Offense. Erickson was being held in the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center on a $1,000 cash bond.

A search warrant executed Monday evening at a residence in Red Oak resulted in two women from there being taken into custody on drug and other charges. Red Oak Police say they searched a home at 504 Broad Street at around 5:15-p.m. and arrested 21-year old Aniessa Rae Thomas, for Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana, Unlawful Possession of Prescription Pills, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Child Endangerment. 45-year old Jamie Denise Thomas, was arrested at the same location for Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Both women were transported to the Montgomery County Jail, where Aniessa Thomas’ bond was set at $2,000, and Jamie Thomas was being held on a $1,000 cash bond.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — MidAmerican Energy says a wind turbine being built in southern Iowa will be the nation’s tallest. The utility is building the turbine in Adams County as part of a 64-turbine development that should be completed by the end of the year. Unlike regular towers built of steel, the taller tower will be concrete. The tower will rise to 377 feet, compared to a typical 263 feet, and when the blade is added the height will reach 554 feet. That’s nearly as tall as the Washington Monument.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The chairwoman of Iowa Utilities Board is taking the unusual step of withholding funding from the state’s renewable energy research center until its leaders satisfy her questions about its programs. But Geri Huser’s move may violate a law that requires the funding be appropriated to the Iowa Energy Center at Iowa State University once it’s collected by the utilities board. If the delay continues, the center may have to suspend grant programs and lay off workers.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Health officials say two central Iowa men have died from the flu and the state now has one of the highest flu virus activity rates in the nation. The state Department of Public Health’s medical director says the men who died were 41 and 60 years old. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control says Iowa, Oregon and Rhode Island currently have the highest rate of flu activity.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad says he wants to ensure state residents are safe following the recent terrorist attacks in Paris, but that he may not have the authority to bar Syrian refugees from entering the state. Several governors said today they will bar refugees from their states, but federal officials say the governors lack the authority. The Republican Branstad acknowledged that states may not be able to take such action because it’s a federal program.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — MidAmerican Energy says a wind turbine being built in southern Iowa will be the nation’s tallest. The Des Moines Register reports the utility is building the turbine in Adams County as part of a 64-turbine development that should be completed by the end of the year.

Unlike regular towers built of steel, the taller tower will be concrete. The tower will rise to 377 feet, compared to a typical 263 feet, and when the blade is added the height will reach 554 feet. That’s nearly as tall as the Washington Monument.

Mike Gehringer, MidAmerican’s vice president of renewable energy, says by building the tower higher, the turbine can generate more electricity. He says such towers could make some “low-to-medium wind resource areas” viable for wind energy.

The Cass County Community Center will be transformed into a bustling holiday market on Monday, November 23rd, from 3:30 to 7:30 pm. Officials with Cass County/ISU Extension say you can stay warm and cozy as you find fresh, locally grown produce for your Thanksgiving gatherings, decorations for your holiday table, or gifts for a special loved one.

Get some help with your holiday baking from southwest Iowa bakers…think pies, quick breads, artisan yeast breads, pastries, cakes and more. A variety of seasonal fall vegetables will be available to prepare fresh for your table, and you can also enjoy the tastes of summer by shopping an assortment of preserved jams and jellies. Locally produced apples, honey, popcorn and more will round out the list of foods for sale!

Many food vendors will be providing samples for shoppers to enjoy as they browse, and complimentary coffee and water will also be available. In addition to edible treats, shoppers will also find unique holiday gifts and home decor made by local artisans. Get a head start on your holiday shopping or find the perfect accent for your holiday decorating. From hand-crafted jewelry and accessories to bath and body products; finding a personalized gift (or a treat for yourself) will be a snap! To decorate your home, or spread cheer to a friend, look no further than locally made rugs, blankets, horseshoe art, home décor and many other hand-crafted items. With over 23 vendors registered so far, there’s sure to be something for everyone!

Fun activities for youth, educational booths and a festive atmosphere will make this an event the whole family can enjoy. A full list of registered vendors, as well as other activities and special events is posted online at the Cass County Extension website (www.extension.iastate.edu/cass) and updated regularly. You can also follow the Produce in the Park Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ProduceInThePark) for current event information and updates on vendors.

The Holiday Harvest Market is sponsored by Farmers Markets of Cass County, Cass County Local Food Policy Council, and City of Atlantic Community Promotions Commission, in partnership with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce.