More than 325 residents from South Central Iowa joined the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s® and united in a movement to reclaim the future for millions Saturday, September 12th at the Ottumwa Park.

Participants raised more than $34,000 to fund Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs.

“This year’s Walk was a wonderful experience. Individuals from all over the area joined together to fight this disease in honor and memory of those who are impacted by it. Teams and walkers came from multiple counties and topped the overall fundraising record this year”, said Michelle Kelman, Senior Program and Event Coordinator for the Alzheimer’s Association. “The Walk was an outpouring of community support for individuals and families who are battling Alzheimer’s and dementia in South Central Iowa” Kelman said. All funds provide education, support and research for treatments and a hopeful cure.

Walk team Kermit’s Krew, led by Tara Jenkins of Ottumwa, was the top fundraising team at this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, raising more than
$6,100. This was the first year for the team, whose members who held several successful fundraisers in the area in memory of Kermit a beloved grandfather, spouse and friend. At a close second place, was team Krazy Connie’s Landing, led by Connie Brown of Plano, who raised over $6,000 with a golf tournament and game nights in honor of a family friend whose mother has lost the battle to Walk to End Alzheimer’s participants did more than complete the 2.2 mile walk.

They learned about Alzheimer’s disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities, clinical studies and support programs and services. The event also included an emotional tribute to those who have experienced or are experiencing Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s more than 5 million Americans to as many as 16 million by 2050. In Iowa alone, there are over 63,000 people living with Alzheimer’s, not including other types of dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association would like to sincerely thank the residents and businesses of Ottumwa and South Central Iowa who participated, donated,
fundraised and volunteered for this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s event. Next year’s event will take place on September 10, 2016. For more information on Alzheimer’s, the Walk or to make a donation to help further the cause, visit alz.org/greateriowa.

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s – the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s.

Visit alz.org® or call 800.272.3900.

Mahaska County Board of Supervisors were presented with several varying ideas on how the renewal of the Local Option Sales Tax could benefit the area during a public input meeting Thursday evening.

The two most popular projects however remain a $24 million new YMCA building that would feature early childhood education and an Environmental Learning Center that would highlight Mahaska County’s conservation efforts.

Those in support of the recreation and educational advantages a modern YMCA facility would provide spoke to the supervisors saying that it would strengthen the community while brining more families into the city.

“I think to have this social place that promotes recreation, a place to go with your friends to work out, play basketball, swim or do all of those things is extremely important,” said Mark Willett. “[The YMCA] is a great place where I can take my kids and know they are going to be safe.”

As the general manager of Clow Valve Willett says he believes a top of the line facility would appeal to families especially those with young children.

“We need recreation and education opportunities,” he said. “I have two energetic boys and those were the first places my wife and I check when moving [here].”

Even Mahaska County Residents who were in support of using the Local Option Sales Tax to get the Environmental Learning Center off the ground expressed interest in providing the community with both recreation and education opportunities.

“I’d like you to consider utilizing this money for the conservation center,” said Mark De Jong, mayor of Lake Keomah Village. “I’m a huge fan of the Environmental Learning Center. All of these [projects] are about finding a way to make our children better, that’s what I think these are all about is developing our children.”

De Jong explained that for several years he has taken his daughter to Mahaska County Conservation Youth Outdoor Field Day. With each year’s event her skills have grown and during last month’s Field Day she was on the other side demonstrating activities to area youngsters.

“There are a lot of great projects out there, so obviously we need the Local Option Sales Tax,” he added before taking his seat.

Before ending the meeting Supervisor Mark Vander Molen explained to the large group present that the board is unable to go forward with the tax until it receives a petition from half of the county.

Story provided by Danielle Lunsford

Authorities say a Dubuque man and his 11-year-old daughter combined to save two neighbors from a fire.

The Dubuque Telegraph Herald reports that Joshua Hentges and his family were watching television Monday evening when his daughter, Natalee, told him she saw flames coming from a home across a street.

Hentges says he ran over and knocked on the neighbor’s front door. No answer. The door was unlocked, so he went in and found a woman and her young daughter in a bedroom where flames were dripping onto the floor from burning curtains.

He says he scooped up the girl, carried her out and then returned to awaken her mother.

Fire Marshal Mark Burkle says Hentges’ daughter did exactly the right thing in reporting the fire to an adult.

(Information in the following story is from: Telegraph Herald, http://www.thonline.com)

William Penn University will be celebrating homecoming Thursday through Sunday.

Although homecoming events are often catered toward alumni and current students, there are several activities that are open to the community. These include the Second Annual Ed Thomas Memorial Golf Tournament, Authors and Artists and the Marquee Brunch.

On Friday, William Penn University will be hosting the Second Annual Ed Thomas Memorial Four-Person Best Ball Golf Tournament at Edmundson Golf Course. This event will be held in conjunction with homecoming activities as an opportunity for alumni and friends of William Penn to socialize and raise funds for the school before Saturday’s homecoming game. There is a cost to participate in the tournament with a discount for members.

Before watching the Statesmen football team take on Avila at Lacey Recreation Complex at 1 p.m., community members can also stop by the Penn Activity Center (PAC) Foyer from 9 a.m. to noon to visit WPU’s Authors and Artists Event. This is held each year and allows artists and published authors that are also alumni or staff of William Penn University to present their work. The Athletic Booster Club will also be present and will have new William Penn University apparel for sale.

The excitement doesn’t end when the football game ends. On Sunday, all are welcome to attend the Marquee Brunch in the dining hall at the Dana Atkins Memorial Union on campus. The meal is held from 11 a.m. through 1 p.m. and with a cost for a buffet-style brunch.

For more information on homecoming events, contact the Office of Advancement at 641-673-1044 or visit www.wmpenn.edu/Homecoming.

Story provided by Oskaloosa Harold