Author: Theresa Rose

AMES, Iowa – Iowans still are managing the uncertainly and anxiety produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Drought related conditions have added another layer of stress for agriculture producers in many areas of the state. And now, many individuals and communities are facing the aftermath of an unusually powerful derecho – a widespread, straight-line windstorm – that surged through Iowa. Iowans may begin to wonder how much more stress they can take.

Some individuals may also start to experience distressing thoughts and anxious feelings or responses, such as having difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Such strong reactions are common with such extreme events, said David Brown, behavioral health specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

“How do we maintain our resilience in the face of these challenges? Fortunately, there are a number of actions a person can take to restore their emotional wellbeing and increase their resilience,” Brown explained.

Brown offered the following suggestions:

• Remember other hardships you managed well during different times in your life and tap into those same skills.
• Take a break from the news and social media. All those pictures and videos of downed trees and damage can make your stress even greater.
• Make time to talk to friends, family members and coworkers. This is important, since the COVID-19 pandemic has already weakened many support outlets.
• Eat well-balanced meals and get plenty of rest. Relaxation exercises, such as deep breathing, meditation/prayer or practicing mindfulness, may also make it easier for a person to sleep.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs.
• Maintain routines in the home and school as much as possible.
• Engage in fun activities, including exercise or hobbies.
• Identify what your top priorities are and make a plan that breaks down the tasks into simple steps.
• Help others in any clean-up effort.

There are also resources available. In collaboration with COVID Recovery Iowa, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will begin offering, “I Worry All the Time: Resources for Life in a Pandemic.” This virtual program is designed to provide education about anxiety and offer practical tools to manage worry. Opportunities for discussion also will be provided.

“We are all facing circumstances and challenges we never have before and there are no certain answers as we move through this pandemic,” said Andrea Gustafson, a crisis/outreach counselor with COVID Recovery Iowa.

“I Worry All the Time: Resources for Life in a Pandemic” (and in the aftermath of storms) will be offered during both lunch hours and evening hours to accommodate a variety of busy schedules. Each program will last for one hour. Those dates and times are as follows:

• Thursday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 27 at 12 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 24 at 12 p.m.

This program will be open, at no cost, to anyone interested in learning more about this topic. To register, go to https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences//events?filter= and select the program, date and time you are interested in. Registered participants will receive a unique URL prior to the program to access the Zoom hosted program. For more information, contact Andrea Gustafson at andreag3@iastate.edu.

Other resources

Iowa Concern, offered by ISU Extension and Outreach, provides confidential access to stress counselors and an attorney for legal education, as well as information and referral services for a wide variety of topics. With a toll-free phone number, live chat capabilities and a website, Iowa Concern services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week at no charge. To reach Iowa Concern, call 800-447-1985; language interpretation services are available. Or, visit the website, https://www.extension.iastate.edu/iowaconcern/, to live chat with a stress counselor one-on-one in a secure environment. Or, email an expert regarding legal, finance, stress, or crisis and disaster issues.

COVID Recovery Iowa offers a variety of services to anyone affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual counselors and consultants provide counseling, family finance consultation, farm financial consultation, referral information and help finding resources for any Iowan seeking personal support. Iowans of all ages may join groups online for activities and learn creative strategies for coping with the effects of the pandemic. COVID Recovery Iowa will announce upcoming programs on the website and via all social media to help Iowans build coping skills, resilience and emotional support. To request support, go to https://www.COVIDrecoveryiowa.org or call 1-844-775-WARM.

Fort Madison, IA (August 11, 2020) – Unfortunately Hardy will not be at the Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison on Thursday September 10, as previously announced. The planning committee is excited to announce that a replacement has already been secured. On Thursday September 10, the Tri-State Rodeo in Fort Madison will be welcoming NELLY!

Ranked as the fourth best-selling rap artist of all time by the Recording Industry of America, Nelly has become a symbol of rap’s crossover success in mainstream pop music. With over 21 million albums sold in the US alone, his pop-infused hip hop and unique vocal delivery have earned him six Top 10 albums and made him a live concert favorite. His seventh studio album, 2012’s M.O., features hit singles “Hey Porsche” and “Get Like Me,” a collaboration with Nicki Minaj and Pharrell. Born Cornell Iral Haynes, Jr. in 1974, Nelly got his first taste of musical success with the St. Louis hip hop collective St. Lunatics. In 2000, he launched his solo career with No. 1 debut album Country Grammar, which showcased his signature Southern drawl mixed with a Midwestern twang. 2002 follow-up Nellyville also peaked at No. 1 and included the international smash ” Hot in Herre,” which earned him a Grammy in 2003 for Best Male Rap Solo Performance.

All tickets previously purchased for Thursday Night will still be honored, there is no action needed from purchasers. Tickets remain on sale at www.tristaterodeo.org.

Mount Pleasant Police, the Fire Department and the Utilities were all called to 309 W. Washington Street at 7:15 Wednesday morning.  A low hanging power line caught on the top of a semi tractor trailer as the driver, Jordan Fisher of Oskaloosa, was attemping to make a u-turn in the Gas Land parking lot.  The wire was pulled from the building and started a small fire. No one was injured.

An arrest warrant with a $50,000 cash only bond has been issued for Mary Bella Brooks, age 42, following an incident in Washington early Sunday, August 2, 2020. Brooks lists an address in Des Moines.
The Washington Police Department has identified Brooks as the driver of a vehicle stopped near the intersection of North 15th Ave and East 2nd Street about 12:25am on August 2nd.
After learning the vehicle driven by Brooks was stolen from Des Moines, the officer asked Brooks to exit the vehicle. Instead, she drove away from the scene, dragging the officer with the vehicle. The officer received minor injuries and was treated and released from the Washington County Hospital. Brooks provided the officer with false information regarding her identity during the traffic stop.
She later abandoned the stolen vehicle in Washington and is believed to have stolen a tan 2007 Ford Escape. The Ford Escape was recovered by Des Moines Police about 3am on August 10, 2020.
With assistance from the Iowa Department of Corrections Probation/Parole and the Des Moines Police Department, the Washington Police Department identified Brooks as the driver of the vehicle and the following felony charges have been filed:
Theft Second Degree (Possession of Stolen vehicle)
Assault While Participating in a Felony
Assault on Peace Officer using a Dangerous Weapon
Interference with Official Acts Using a Dangerous Weapon
In addition, Brooks is charged with an Aggravated Misdemeanor charge of Interference with Official Acts Causing Bodily Injury and four traffic violations.
The investigation continues and additional charges are pending the receipt of DCI Lab results.
Anyone with information on the location of Brooks is asked to contact Washington County Communications at 319-653-2107 or their local law enforcement agency. She has a unique star-shaped tattoo on her upper left forearm.
NOTE: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

AMES, Iowa – When the electricity has been out for several hours or longer, Iowans rightly wonder whether the food in their refrigerators and freezers is still safe to eat, note food safety and nutrition and wellness specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Angela Shaw, Anirudh Naig, and Shannon Coleman want Iowans to know some key considerations for safely handling these food items.

Shaw is a food safety state specialist and associate professor in the ISU Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. Naig is a food safety state specialist and associate professor in the ISU Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management. Coleman is an assistant professor and nutrition and wellness state specialist in the ISU Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition. They share the following information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the CDC, refrigerated or frozen foods may not be safe to eat after a power outage. CDC recommendations include these four points:

• Never taste food to determine if food is “safe to eat.” When in doubt, throw it out.
• Throw out perishable foods in your refrigerator after four hours without power. This includes meats, fish, cut fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, leftovers, and any foods that have been prepared for a meal. Throw away foods with unusual odors, color, or textures.
• Check the temperature of the food kept in coolers or refrigerators with a cold source. Throw out food above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If the appliance thermometer in your freezer is still at 40 F or below, you can safely refreeze or cook thawed frozen food. The thawed food must contain ice crystals or be at 40 F or below.

For more information, see the following sources:

• CDC: Food Safety for Power Outages (https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-safety-during-a-power-outage.html)
• USDA: Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency (https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/emergency-preparedness/keeping-food-safe-during-an-emergency/CT_Index)
• FDA: Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods (https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-and-water-safety-during-power-outages-and-floods)

Attorney General Tom Miller advised Iowans cleaning up from Monday’s storm to beware of the potential for scams.

“Contractors we call ‘storm chasers’ head to these areas to persuade storm victims to hire them on the spot for cleanup and repair work,” Miller said. “Homeowners must be prepared for these contractors’ pitches and promises.”

• Be wary of contractors who show up at your door. If at all possible, deal with an established and reputable local business. Try to deal with a local outfit even if it’s not an established contractor. Avoid the hard sell.
• Check out and interview contractors before you sign a contract or pay any money. Request local references and contact them, and research their ratings with the Better Business Bureau and other sites.
• Get several written estimates, choose the best, and get a contract in writing (and don’t forget to read it!). Before work begins, agree on a written contract detailing terms including the work to be done, the brand and/or the specifications of the materials to be used, the price, who is responsible for permits, and that all change orders must be in writing. Put start and completion dates in writing, and the remedies if the contractor fails to meet them. (Example: The contract could be nullified if the contractor doesn’t start on time.)
• Understand your insurance: If you’re filing an insurance claim to cover the costs of damages, negotiate the details with your insurance company directly and not through a contractor. Make sure your insurance provider will cover the cost of repairs before you sign a contract.
• Explore financing options: It’s usually safer and a better deal to obtain financing through your local bank or credit union, rather than a contractor.
• Know your right to cancel: If you sign a contract somewhere other than the contractor’s regular place of business, such as at your home, you have three business days to cancel the contract without penalty.
• Avoid paying large sums or the entire job up front.  If you need to make a partial advance payment for materials, make your check out to the supplier and the contractor. Insist on a “mechanic’s lien waiver” in case the contractor fails to pay others for materials or labor.
• Write down a license plate number and vehicle description, or take a picture of the vehicle and plate.  Keep this for your records.

Go to www.IowaAttorneyGeneral.gov for more tips on preventing scams, and for more information on hiring contractors, price gouging and donation scams.