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One third of Iowa counties rated ‘maternity care deserts’ by March of Dimes

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

A new report has found 33 Iowa counties are considered maternity care deserts. The report from the March of Dimes defines a maternity care desert as a county with no OB/GYNs and no hospital with a maternity ward. Jessica Dill, a manager with the March of Dimes, says Medicaid reimbursement rates play a big part in why many rural hospitals are closing their labor and delivery units.

“Hospitals can’t afford to stay open in places where the majority of families are coming to them with just Medicaid and not private care insurance,” Dill says. The state’s Medicaid program covered more than 40 percent of the births in Iowa in 2021. Mothers and babies in maternal care deserts face higher risk of poor health outcomes according to the March of Dimes report.

“Issues related to birth, maternal morbidity rates go up when families have to drive more than 30 minutes to get to a care provider,” Dill says. Dill says increased access to telehealth services could help give people in maternity care deserts more options to access care. The March of Dimes has found the number of babies born prematurely has increased over the past decade in Iowa. According to the American Medical Association, the maternal death rate in Iowa more than doubled between 1999 and 2019.

Mahaska County Extension Hosting Master Gardener Q&A This Week

OSKALOOSA — Suzette Striegel, Mahaska County Extension Horticulture and Education Program coordinator will be answering questions about the upcoming Master Gardener training on Thursday, August 3, beginning at 12 pm (Noon). Suzette has coordinated the local Master Gardener training since 2003.

The event is free and open to the public.  Registration is not required to attend, but appreciated.

Online registration began July 17 and continues until August 18 at https://extension.iastate.edu/mastergardener/become-master-gardener .  Payment of the fee $150 and a background screen are required prior to training.  Training is primarily online with trainees attending at least 4 in person session at the county level.  To encourage early enrollment and insure a minimum class size the Mahaska County Master Gardeners will award a $25 incentive to the first 6 enrollees to pay the training fee. 

Mahaska County Master Gardeners are celebrating their twentieth year.  The local program organized after the county held their first training.  The educational volunteer program, sponsored by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, provides current, research based, home horticulture information and education to the citizens of Iowa through programs and projects.  Master Gardeners receive horticulture training, and volunteer to promote a mission of education and service.  The program is open to anyone 14 or older with an interest in gardening and a willingness to use their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make a positive impact on their local community.

More information about this and other horticulture events can be found at the Mahaska County Extension Office; 212 North I Street; Oskaloosa Phone 641-673-5841; and www.extension.iastate.edu/mahaska/yardgarden.htm. 

City of Ottumwa Dismisses Three Firefighters After Investigation

By Sam Parsons

After an investigation spanning over two months, the city of Ottumwa has dismissed three members of their fire department.

In May, the city announced that it had hired the Des Moines-based firm Dentons Davis Brown PC to independently investigate the fire department, though the reason behind the investigation was not specified. In a press release sent out yesterday, the city said that firefighters Derek Fye and Dillon McPherson, as well as Captain Bill Keith, have all been dismissed from the fire department effective immediately.

The city said that McPherson resigned in lieu of termination, while Fye was terminated “for actions and behaviors that violated department rules, safe practices, and the values and standards of the City of Ottumwa.” Keith was terminated for “failure to adequately lead those under his command and further displaying an attitude of indifference toward holding employees accountable to the values and standards of the department and the City of Ottumwa.”

In the press release, the city said that it takes all instances of misconduct “very seriously,” and that the decision was not made lightly.

“We expect all employees to adhere to our city’s policies and maintain the highest standards of conduct and professionalism.  We are taking all necessary steps to ensure that the city remains a safe and ethical environment for our staff,” the city said.

The city said they aim to permanently fill the three positions in the fire department as soon as possible and that they “appreciate the community’s support and understanding during this sensitive time.”

Mega Millions jackpot climbs to $1.05 billion after another drawing without a big winner

DES MOINES (AP) — The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to an estimated $1.05 billion Friday night, only the fifth time in the history of the game that the grand prize has reached into the billions.

No one managed to beat the massive odds and match all six numbers for Friday’s estimated $940 million jackpot. The numbers drawn were: 5, 10, 28, 52, 63 and the gold ball 18.

There have been 29 straight draws without a Mega Millions jackpot winner since the last grand prize ticket on April 18.

The $1.05 billion prize up for grabs in the next drawing Tuesday night would be for a sole winner choosing to be paid through an annuity, with annual payments over 30 years. Jackpot winners almost always opt for a lump sum payment, which for Tuesday’s drawing would be an estimated $527.9 million.

The potential jackpot is the fourth-largest in the game and the fifth over $1 billion, Mega Millions said in a statement early Saturday.

Although there were no jackpot winners, one ticket in Pennsylvania was worth $5 million and another in the state connected for $1 million. There also were $1 million winners in Arizona, California and New York, Mega Millions said.

It has been less than two weeks since someone in Los Angeles won a $1.08 billion Powerball prize that ranked as the sixth-largest in U.S. history. The winner of the prize is still a mystery.

Lottery jackpots grow so large because the odds of winning are so small. For Mega Millions, the odds of winning the jackpot are about 1 in 302.6 million.

Winners also would be subject to federal taxes, and many states also tax lottery winnings.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Iowa pheasant population survey begins Aug. 1

DES MOINES — Pheasant hunters in the northern half of Iowa had an excellent season last year, and many are looking forward to what 2023 has in store. The fall forecast will be based on the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) annual roadside pheasant counts, that begins Aug. 1.

The statewide survey is conducted by Iowa DNR staff between Aug. 1-15, who drive 218, 30-mile routes on gravel roads at dawn on mornings with heavy dew. Hen pheasants will move their broods to the edge of the gravel road to dry off before they begin feeding, which makes them easier to count.

In June the DNR issued its annual prediction for the roadside counts, which uses a weather model based on the snowfall, rainfall and temperatures from the past winter and spring.  The model provides a best guess at what the counts might look like, and it is predicting numbers to be better than last year. And that is good news for hunters.

But the best indicator for the fall season is the August roadside survey that counts actual pheasants seen along more than 6,000 miles of rural, gravel roads.

The August roadside survey has been conducted over the same routes since 1962. In addition to pheasants and quail, the survey collects data on partridge, cottontails and jackrabbits. Results will be posted online at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey in early September. Iowa’s pheasant season begins Oct. 28.

Mahaska Health’s Run in the Sun is This Weekend

OSKALOOSA — Mahaska Health Serenity House is hosting the 12th annual Run in the Sun 2k/5k event at the Statesman Community Stadium on August 5th, 2023. More than 300 runners, walkers, and volunteers are expected to attend the event in support of Mahaska Health Serenity House. Dr. Zacharjasz, Hospice Medical Director at Mahaska Health, the Mahaska Health Foundation Board, the Mahaska Health Hospice Auxiliary, and the Serenity House Care team are grateful for the generosity of the 2023 Run in the Sun participants and sponsors.

Each year, the Run in the Sun event raises approximately $20,000 for the Mahaska Health Serenity House. Community members join the Mahaska Health team to run or walk together and give generously to support the families that the Serenity House cares for.

“We are so grateful for the support of our community. The funds raised from Run in the Sun help us provide compassionate care to those in need and enhance the quality of life of our friends, neighbors, and the community we serve. New this year is a Kid’s Fun Run during the post-race family celebration! Run in the Sun is a wonderful opportunity to unite as a community and support those in need. We are so grateful for the support of our sponsors and participants, and we look forward to seeing everyone on race day!” Sharon DeKock, Director of the Hospice Serenity House.

To learn more and register visit, mahaskahealth.org/run2023

Four-Vehicle Accident Results in Death of Local Couple Near Ottumwa

OTTUMWA — A four-vehicle crash in a bridge work zone resulted in the death of a local couple on Friday night.

The Iowa State Patrol reports that at around 7:57pm on Friday, a semi truck driven by 22-year-old Reid Hilpipre of Pocahontas, Iowa, failed to stop at the temporary traffic light fixture in a work zone on Highway 63, north of 25th street, just south of Ottumwa, which had one lane closed due to ongoing bridge work. The truck hit one vehicle, which caused a chain reaction collision that resulted in that vehicle, plus the semi and one other vehicle, ending up in a ditch and becoming engulfed in flames. The two occupants of the first vehicle to be hit were both pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities were later revealed to be 68-year-old Steven Hinebaugh and 65-year-old Brenda Hinebaugh, both from Ottumwa. Hilpipre and the driver of the third vehicle to roll into the ditch, 49-year-old Lora Sprouse, of Bloomfield, were both transported to Ottumwa Regional Hospital, while the driver of a fourth vehicle involved in the crash, 36-year-old Dennis Hagedorn, was uninjured.

The crash remains under investigation.

Bronny James discharged from hospital as LeBron sends thanks and says family is ‘safe and healthy’

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Bronny James has been discharged from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and is resting at home, three days after the 18-year-old son of LeBron James went into cardiac arrest.

Dr. Merije Chukumerije, a consulting cardiologist for Bronny James, said in a statement issued by the hospital Thursday that James was “successfully treated for a sudden cardiac arrest.” Chukumerije gave credit to “the swift and effective response by the USC athletics’ medical staff” after the incident Monday at the University of Southern California’s Galen Center, where the incoming freshman guard was participating in basketball practice.

“He arrived at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center fully conscious, neurologically intact and stable,” Chukumerije said. “Mr. James was cared for promptly by highly-trained staff and has been discharged home, where he is resting. Although his workup will be ongoing, we are hopeful for his continued progress and are encouraged by his response, resilience, and his family and community support.”

Earlier Thursday, LeBron James said his family is “safe and healthy” in a message of thanks posted on social media. The words were the Los Angeles Lakers superstar’s first public comments since Bronny James was hospitalized Monday morning.

“I want to thank the countless people sending my family love and prayers,” LeBron James wrote. “We feel you and I’m so grateful. Everyone doing great. We have our family together, safe and healthy, and we feel your love. Will have more to say when we’re ready but I wanted to tell everyone how much your support has meant to all of us!”

The top scorer in NBA history concluded his message with the hashtag “JamesGang,” his nickname for the tightknit family unit built around their three children by James and his wife, Savannah.

Bronny James spent only a brief time in intensive care, and he is healthy enough to be discharged only three days after the event. Both are positive signs for his long-term recovery, but he still is expected to undergo extensive testing to investigate the cause of his cardiac arrest, as is typical in this situation.

Bronny James has built a promising basketball career for himself in his father’s considerable shadow. The 6-foot-3 teenager became a top recruit as a two-way point guard for Sierra Canyon School in suburban Chatsworth.

He decided in May to attend USC, which is expected to have one of the most intriguing teams in the nation. The Trojans were holding summer practices in preparation for a 10-day tour in Europe next month.

With his family fame and huge social media following, Bronny James has the top name, image and likeness valuation in sports at $6.3 million, as estimated by On3.com.

Bronny James was the second high-profile USC basketball recruit to go into cardiac arrest in the last year. Vincent Iwuchuwku also was stricken during a workout last July, but the 7-foot-1 center returned to the court six months later, eventually appearing in 14 games for the Trojans as a freshman.

It’s too soon to know how Bronny James’ hoops career could be affected by this health setback. Dr. Sameer Amin, a cardiologist and the chief medical officer at L.A. Care Health Plan, told The Associated Press that the teenager’s move out of intensive care this week was encouraging.

“It’s a really positive sign that they didn’t sustain too much brain damage or any brain damage, or any major heart damage in the setting of their heart stopping,” said Amin, who is not treating Bronny James. “Usually we see that when somebody’s heart gets restarted very quickly after it stops. Also, in young people, you tend to get these bounce-backs a lot faster. It’s a really positive outcome that he’s already out of the ICU.”

Amin said it’s too soon to speculate on whether Bronny James can return to basketball, or how quickly it could happen.

“If (the cardiac event) is happening because of a unusual blow to the chest like in the Damar Hamlin case, oftentimes those people can have a positive outcome because it’s a rare and unusual event that led to the heart stopping,” Amin said. “In those where there’s an underlying genetic problem or an underlying electrical issue, it can be a little bit more tricky to get somebody back on the playing field.”

Pate urges Iowans to learn, do more about human trafficking

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

Sunday is “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons” and Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate is challenging Iowans to use the opportunity to learn something and do something about human trafficking.

“It’s right here in Iowa, unfortunately. We’re very proud of our state and we think it’s the best place to live, but it’s not always the best place for everyone,” Pate says. “…Tune in and learn about it and basically be our eyes and ears and help law enforcement with that.”

From 2021 to 2022, there was a 61% increase in the number of tips called into the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s human trafficking tip line. Sergeant Elizabeth Quinn, a deputy sheriff in Story County, says she can’t share details, but her department is currently investigating tips about children and adults who may be forced into some type of labor or commercial sex.

“The first step in stopping this crime lies in awareness and we’re really just trying to get the word out on making sure that Iowans are looking for signs of human trafficking among their neighbors, friends, family, co-workers and that they’re looking for sudden changes in their appearance or behavior,” Quinn says. “Maybe they might be isolating themselves or repetitively missing school.”

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, half of the tips about human trafficking from Iowa in 2021 were about minors. Quinn says children are “very vulnerable” to traffickers lurking on social media. “We do know that through the U.S. Department of Justice the average age of a U.S. citizen first being trafficked is 12-14 years old,” Quinn says. “…Awareness is everything.”

In 2016, Quinn spent six months in Washington, D.C., working in the Human Trafficking and Child Protection Division with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). In 2022, Pate created the Iowa Businesses Against Trafficking network. It now includes nearly 700 businesses that are training employees and posting tip line numbers in workplaces and restrooms. Pate cites a recent arrest in an Iowa convenience store. “A woman was being trafficked and she saw the sticker and she went the store counter and said: ‘Hey, I’m being trafficked. I need help,’” Pate says. “They immediately called law enforcement and the officer came and arrested the trafficker and got her out of a bad situation.”

A state law that went into effect this year has increased penalties for human trafficking and those convicted of trafficking children could be sentenced to life in prison.

Lake Keomah State Park restoration being planned

OSKALOOSA – Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other project partners are planning a lake restoration project at Lake Keomah State Park to improve water quality and recreational opportunities.

Construction is scheduled to start in the fall of 2024 and continue into the spring of 2026. Planned improvements include additional watershed practices to protect the lake, stabilizing the shoreline, dredging in targeted areas, upgrading the boat ramp and trail, improving fish habitat and removing common carp and grass carp.

DNR will hold a public meeting late this fall to present preliminary restoration plans and solicit feedback from park users. The campground and lodge will remain open throughout the project. Access to the lake may be limited during construction.

Park staff remain busy this summer welcoming visitors and implementing the park’s forest management plan, which includes removing invasive species, managing desirable trees and creating prairie plantings.

The forest management plan has been supported by Vermeer Corporation with more than $1 million in time, fuel and equipment donations during the last five years. Forest restoration improves wildlife habitat and promotes better water quality in the lake, reducing erosion from bare forest floor soils into Lake Keomah.

“Taking care of our woodlands and natural resources is an important goal for us to ensure Lake Keomah remains a beautiful, unique area,” said Chad Malone, Lake Keomah State Park ranger.

To make a camping reservation and to learn more about Lake Keomah and Iowa State Parks, visit www.iowadnr.gov/parks.

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