Author: Hayden Douglas

West Burlington, Iowa, Great River Health awarded a DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses® to Shelly Peterson, RN. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care nurses provide patients and families every day.

Shelly Peterson works in the Women & Family Center in West Burlington.  A Labor and Delivery Nurse, Shelly was recognized for her quick thinking and action in response to a newborn in distress.  She realized something was off with the baby and delayed discharge to monitor further. While the new mom was feeding the baby, she realized he wasn’t responding and hit the call light.  Shelly answered, took one look at the baby, who was not breathing, scooped him up, and took him to the nursery. To alert additional staff to the need for help, she activated the security alarm.  Thanks to her quick thinking and action, the team of nurses resuscitated the baby. After a complete workup by the pediatric hospitalist, Dr. Patrick Williams, the baby was transferred to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital.  The NICU team there was very complimentary of the quick response and care that was provided. When the parents arrived at the NICU in Iowa City, the mom, through her tears, said, “Shelly saved my baby’s life.” Shelly’s expertise and compassion make her an extraordinary nurse.

The award recipient is chosen by a committee at Great River Health to receive The DAISY Award. Shelly was honored at a special Daisy Award ceremony in her department attended by her colleagues, patients, and visitors.  She received a certificate commending her as an “Extraordinary Nurse.”  The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” Emma also received a DAISY Award pin, and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. The Great River Health Daisy Award recipients will be featured on the Daisy Foundation website along with recipients from around the world. A video of the presentation of the award can be viewed on the Great River Health Facebook page.

Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues on an ongoing basis.

Great River Health employs over 815 nurses, providing patient care at their Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center – Fort Madison and West Burlington – campuses; along with Henry County Health Center in Mount Pleasant.

More information is available at http://DAISYfoundation.org.

Fairfield, Iowa — On September 2, 2025, the Fairfield Police Department, with support from the Animal Rescue League of Iowa, the Fairfield Veterinary Clinic, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at a residence in the 100 block of Cardinal Drive, uncovering severe animal neglect.

The investigation began on August 27, when police received reports that a large number of animals were living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Officers conducted a thorough investigation, gathering statements, observations, and evidence that ultimately led to the approval of a search warrant.

Upon entering the home, law enforcement and animal welfare professionals discovered numerous animals confined in overcrowded kennels, many covered in feces and deprived of proper food, water, and care. The living conditions were deemed hazardous to both the animals and humans.

In total, 38 dogs, 10 cats, and 13 various small animals were rescued from the property and transferred to animal welfare organizations for medical treatment and rehabilitation.

The property’s occupants, Ellen Marie Telleen, 44, of Fairfield, and Krysta Marie Telleen, 26, of Fairfield, were arrested and each faces 48 counts of animal neglect, classified as simple misdemeanors. Both were transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility, booked, and later released after posting bond.

Lieutenant Joel Smith of the Fairfield Police Department stated, “This was a significant rescue operation. Thanks to the swift action of our officers and the assistance of our community partners, these animals are now receiving the care they desperately needed.”

The Fairfield Police Department was assisted in the investigation by the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, Fairfield Veterinary Clinic, Animal Rescue League of Iowa, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Henry County residents are encouraged to “Grow Another Row” this season, sharing the bounty of their gardens with neighbors in need. Through the Grow Another Row and Share with Others campaign, community members can donate fresh produce to local food pantries, libraries, and community centers, ensuring everyone has access to healthy fruits and vegetables.

Donations can be made at multiple sites across the county, that list is at kilj.com

Healthy Henry County Communities reminds gardeners that even small donations make a difference. Whether you have extra cucumbers, tomatoes, beans, or other garden goods, your contributions help put nutritious food on the tables of families throughout the area.

“Reminders: When donating fresh produce, call ahead for hours and drop-off guidance,” the campaign notes. “If you can’t wash or bag the produce, please place it in a cardboard box and be sure to include your name.”

By participating in this initiative, Henry County residents can help neighbors in need while reducing food waste and fostering a stronger, healthier community.

For more information, visit HealthyHenryCounty.org

Recognized as one of the top five large outdoor rodeos in the nation since 2000, the Tri-State Rodeo has reached another milestone—its 2025 induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. The celebrated event, which also features the Jim Baier Chute Out, continues to draw the world’s top rodeo athletes and fans alike.

“Every year, we aim to provide something unique and enjoyable for our long-time attendees while also attracting newcomers who may not have experienced the event before,” said Bobby Hotkamp, Chairman of the Tri-State Rodeo. “2025 is going to be unforgettable!”

In addition to four nights of thrilling rodeo competition, visitors can expect four evenings of national entertainment on the Great River Health Stage, followed by live music from top bands inside the Bud Light Stockyard.

The entertainment kicks off on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, with country star Nate Smith. In just a few years, Smith has amassed more than 1.6 billion career streams and topped the charts with back-to-back No. 1 singles, “Whiskey on You” and “World on Fire.” Tickets are on sale now at www.tristaterodeo.org

Wapello’s own Lydia Fisher is set to compete for the crown of Miss America later this week in Orlando, carrying with her both hometown pride and pageant history.

Fisher was crowned Miss Iowa in June, marking the pinnacle of a 15-year pageant journey. She became the first contestant in state history to win all four divisions of the Iowa pageant system—earning titles as L’il Miss Iowa in 2010, Junior Miss in 2014, Teen Miss in 2017, and now Miss Iowa 2025.

The Miss America competition runs September 2–7, with the national finals scheduled for Sunday evening. To support their hometown representative, Wapello High School will host a public watch party. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the event beginning at 6 p.m.

For many in Wapello, Fisher’s achievements represent not only her own hard work but also a source of pride for the community. As she takes the national stage, her hometown will be cheering every step of the way. You can watch the Miss America 2026 finals for free on the official Miss America YouTube Channel (@missamericaofficial) and on PageantVision.com. The pageant will not be broadcast on traditional television this year.