With the recent COVID-19 events, individuals may find this time of increased uncertainty causing some increased stress and anxiety. If you’re experiencing an emotional crisis, please reach out.  Below are some resources available in the Southeast Iowa Link Region.

Crisis or Help Lines

CommUnity 24/7 call or text:  855-325-4296 CommUnity chat:  IowaCrisisChat.org

 

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:  800-273-8255 National Suicide Prevention Crisis Text Line:  TEXT “Go” to 741741

 

SAMHSA Disaster Distress Hotline:  800-985-5990 SAMHSA Text Line: TEXT “TalkWithUs” to 66746

 

Your Life Iowa call:  855-581-8111 Your Life Iowa text:  855-895-8398

 

COVID-19 information can be found by calling 211 or your local Department of Public Health agency.

 

Local SEIL mental health providers are closely monitoring recommendations by the CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and here to offer support and making adjustments, as needed to best support our communities in meeting their mental health service needs.

Please contact your mental health professionals by phone to discuss treatment options.

 

Des Moines County:

Community Health Centers of SE Iowa: 319-768-5858

Great River Mental Health Care Associates: 319-768-3700

Optimae Life Services: 319-237-1732.

Young House Family Services: 319-752-4000

 

Henry County:

Hillcrest Family Services/Community Mental Health Center: 319-385-7177

Optimae Life Services: 319-385-2830

 

Jefferson County:

Optimae Life Services: 641-472-5771

 

Keokuk County:

Keokuk County Medical Clinic: 641-622-1170

River Hills: 641-224-8061

 

Lee County:

Community Health Centers of SE Iowa: 319-524-5734

Counseling Associates: 319-313-2874/319-372-7689

Optimae: 319-524-5106/319-372-3566

 

Louisa County:

Hillcrest Family Services/Community Mental Health Center: 319-527-4455

 

Van Buren County:

Optimae Life Services: 641-472-5771

 

Washington County:

Hillcrest Family Services/Community Mental Health Center: 319-653-6161

Grace C Mae Advocacy Center: 319-653-2930

The Mount Pleasant City Council met Wednesday in regular session.

A motion passed approving the site plan for the proposed new Casey’s location.  The convenience store corporation purchased Jerry’s Restaurant on East Washington Street.

The council received a request from a citizen who wants to purchase a vacant city owned lot at 908 N. Main Street.  The request was sent to the Council Finance Committee for consideration.

The Council authorized the Mayor to execute a purchase agreement for property at 1300 W. Courtland.  The City will not actually pay for the property since the owner has agreed to deed it to the City.

A public hearing was held on the vacation and sale of alley right of way between the 300 blocks of North Jay and Hamlin Streets. Following the public hearing the council passed a resolution approving the sale of the alley parcels to adjoining property owners Victor and Edna Cerini and Farley Investments.  Each owner purchased two parcels at $320 a parcel.

A public hearing will be held during the next Council meeting on April 22 at 5:30 pm. The council set that date and time for the hearing on a proposal to borrow an amount not to exceed $350,000 for a new street sweeper.

The Council approved a third reading and passed an ordinance changing a yield sign at the intersection of Lucas and Harland Streets to a stop sign.

Following a third and final reading an amendment to a portion of the City Zoning Ordinance was approved by the Council.  The amendment  addresses where electric vehicle charging stations are allowed to be located.

Although he started under unusual conditions, Romoser is ready to serve Iowans

AMES, Iowa — On Matt Romoser’s first day as the southeast Iowa swine specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, he stayed home.

Ordinarily, a new employee’s first official day would include meeting colleagues, completing paperwork and setting up a new workspace. Because the COVID-19 pandemic had led to Iowa State administration requesting employees work from home where possible, he did the necessary paperwork virtually and started interacting with his new teammates via virtual online platforms.

“Eventually I will be based out of the ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County office, and will work to serve the entire southeast Iowa region,” he said. “I am excited for this opportunity to serve Iowa pork producers, both independents and integrators.”

In addition to working with fellow extension specialists, he’ll also work with the Iowa Pork Industry Center staff. Romoser said he sees his role as one of a resource for pork producers. His background, education and experience provide a great base for that work.

“As I grew up on our family grain and livestock farm near Keota, I was brought up through 4-H and FFA, and that early interest is the reason I’m active in the swine industry today,” he said. “I attended Iowa State where I received a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree focused on swine reproductive technology.”

After graduation, he was a technical services specialist for a swine genetics company where he worked with producers to help maximize production in their operations.

“Along with making good connections, this enhanced my experience in slat level production and learning about the challenges facing producers and possible resolutions for improvement,” Romoser said. “I look forward to being able to offer much of the same expertise, along with others in IPIC, to help all producers.”

Iowa Pork Industry Center Director Jason Ross said Romoser brings a strong set of skills to this position with ISU Extension and Outreach.

“We are excited to have Matt join our team,” Ross said. “His background and knowledge in sow reproduction and management will make him a valued resource to Iowa’s pork producers.”

He’s looking forward to when he’ll be able to visit with producers in person. In the meantime, he invites people to call him at 319-430-7533 or email mromoser@iastate.edu with their questions and concerns.

“I am passionate about the swine industry, and take great pride in being able to work with operations of all size,” he said. “I especially look forward to getting to meet those in the area, and being available for them at any time.”

 

DES MOINES – The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has been notified of 97 additional positive cases for a total of 1,145 positive cases. There have been an additional 1,151 negative tests for a total of 12,821 negative tests to date, which includes testing reported by the State Hygienic Lab and other labs. According to IDPH, an additional death was also reported: Linn County, 1 elderly adult (81+)

According to IDPH, the locations and age ranges of the 97 individuals include:

• Henry County, 2 adults (18-40 years). The county total of cases in Henry County is now 15.

• Allamakee County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Benton County, 1 child (0-17 years)
• Black Hawk County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 3 middle-age adults (41-60 years)
• Cedar County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Clinton County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)
• Crawford County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
• Harrison County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
• Johnson County, 10 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 2 older adult (61-80 years)
• Linn County, 1 child (0-17 years), 4 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 3 older adults (61-80 years), 2 elderly adults (81+)
• Louisa County, 4 adults (18-40 years), 5 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Marshall County, 1 adult (18-40 years)
• Muscatine County, 4 adults (18-40 years), 5 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Polk County, 2 adults (18-40 years), 4 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Pottawattamie County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Scott County, 4 adults (18-40 years), 7 middle-age adults (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Tama County, 1 adult (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 2 older adults (61-80 years)
• Warren County, 1 elderly adult (81+)
• Washington County, 3 adults (18-40 years), 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years), 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Webster County, 1 older adult (61-80 years)
• Woodbury County, 2 middle-age adults (41-60 years)
• Worth County, 1 middle-age adult (41-60 years)

A status report of monitoring and testing of COVID19 in Iowa is provided by IDPH and can be found here. In addition, a public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-244-7431. The state of Iowa has started sharing the number of negative tests conducted at outside labs, and is providing additional information on the conditions of those infected with COVID-19.

 

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DES MOINES – Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation declaring Thursday, April 9th as a “Day of Prayer” in Iowa, urging Iowans to “unite in prayer” in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, inviting Iowans to participate in the 59th Annual Iowa Prayer Breakfast, which is offered entirely online this year.

“The power of prayer and faith in God is something that has guided so many of us in good times and bad,” said Gov. Reynolds. “We have all been impacted by COVID-19. Some of us have lost a loved one and others know those who are sick. Whether you are a nurse on the frontlines fighting the pandemic, a grocery store worker, the truck driver making a delivery, or someone laid off at home, this has been a challenging and stressful time. Let us join together and pray for our neighbors, communities and state.”

Thursday marks the beginning of the Jewish festival of Passover and also is the Christian holy day of Maundy Thursday which precedes Easter on Sunday.

“Normally, hundreds of Iowans would be gathering in Des Moines for the 59th annual Iowa Prayer Breakfast,” said Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg. “But because of COVID-19, that has been moved entirely online and made free of charge. The Governor and I encourage everyone to join us for that event to celebrate this Day of Prayer.”

More information on the Iowa Prayer Breakfast and registration can be found at www.iowaprayerbreakfast.com.

The text of Governor Reynolds’ proclamation is below:

 

P R O C L A M A T I O N

 

WHEREAS, our nation and world are suffering from a pandemic which has profoundly affected the well-being and livelihoods of millions of Americans; and

 

WHEREAS,  this health emergency has created fear and anxiety in the minds of thousands of fellow Iowans during this uncertain time; and

 

WHEREAS, our nation’s motto is “In God We Trust”, with America being founded upon Biblical Judeo-Christian principles and values; and

 

WHEREAS,  God’s word teaches us to “Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying”; and

 

WHEREAS,  throughout our history Iowans have found peace, strength, and unity through prayer to God in humbly asking for His strength during times of difficulty; and

 

WHEREAS,  prayer provides peace that surpasses all understanding and wisdom in times of crisis and conflict, turning us to God for His comfort and blessed assurance; and

 

WHEREAS,  God’s unconditional love by sending His Son, Jesus, to be Savior of the world is remembered and celebrated by Christians during Holy Week of Easter each year:

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kim Reynolds, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby proclaim Maundy Thursday, April 9, 2020 as a

 

DAY OF PRAYER

 

in the State of Iowa and encourage all Iowans to unite in prayer and ask God to comfort and bless all severely impacted; to protect medical care workers, first responders and all who are serving during this crisis; to grant wisdom, courage and strength to our local, state and national leaders; and give us all the hands and hearts to be generous with our time, skills, and resources to serve our neighbors within and alongside the many churches, non-profits, businesses, and other organizations providing relief.

AGENDA

April 9, 2020

Approve Agenda

Approve Minutes

9:00 Jake Hotchkiss, Engineer Weekly Update

Resolution to purchase single axle dump truck

2 Motions to promote employee

9:15 Approve Resolution for Hiring of Asst County Attorney

9:20 Rich McNamee Discussion of Sheriff Department

9:30 Bids and accept one for Removal of Fence

Around Exercise Yard of the Old Jail

Other County Business as time allows

Supervisors Sub-Committee Updates

 May be viewed on Facebook at henry county board of supervisors