Information for WACO Families

WACO Families:
There will be staff at the Elementary 3/19/2020 from 8 – 1:00 to take phone calls for scheduled visits to the building.
Students and ONE adult per family may come and get books, materials, and personal items.
They can also check out a Chromebook if you have no other devices in the home.
Nurse Brittany will be here to give medications back to adults from 10:30 – 12:30.
If you plan to visit, please call and schedule an appointment so we may practice social distancing. 319.658.2931. Beginning Monday, March 23 WACO will offer two meals per day to each child (under 18 years of age) free of charge.This is a free service to all WACO children 18 years of age and younger AND includes any children living in your home even if they do not attend WACO. We will offer curbside pick up at both of our buildings.

  1. For WACO students INSIDE the city limits of Wayland and Crawfordsville, we will offer a grab and go.
  2. WACO Students that live outside of the city limits may be eligible for delivery.

3.WACO students living outside school district lines (open enrolled students) please complete the survey and we will reach out to you specifically.

 

KILJ Community Forum

KILJ wants to keep you informed during this time about everything related to the Coronavirus and our community. Owner Paul Dennison will be facilitating a community forum this Friday at 9:30 am right here on KILJ to keep you up to date with what is happening in our listening area. Hear from State Representative Joe Mitchell, Henry County Public Health Coordinator Shelley Van Dorin, Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson, Chief of Police Lyle Murray, and Mount Pleasant Chamber Alliance Executive Vice President Kristi Ray. We will allow them to give brief updates on how their organizations are responding and we will be taking questions from you to address your community concerns. You may email us ahead of time with questions to kiljradio@kilj.com or give us a call at 319-385-8728. Please be sure to tune in to 105.5 FM or stream us online at kilj.com to hear updates from community leaders and experts on the Coronavirus this Friday morning at 9:30 am in a community forum.

Kay A. Kendall

Kay A. Kendall, 62, of Mt. Pleasant passed away on Monday, March 16, 2020, at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant after a courageous battle with cancer and pancreatitis.

She was born on February 9, 1958, near Danville, Iowa the daughter of Kenneth E. & Nina M. Allison Kendall.  Kay graduated from New London High School in the class of 1976.  She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family.

Kay is survived by her children, Carlee (Robert) Marshall of Adams, Minnesota and Nathan Byrum of Birmingham, Iowa, her grandchildren, Mya & Maciah Miller, TreyShawn, Javier and Aysha Byrum, her father Kenneth and stepmother Janet Kendall, her brother Wes (Linda) Kendall, two sisters, Carolyn (Mike) Byrum and Cindy Hillyear,

along with nieces, nephews and friends.

According to her wishes cremation has been entrusted to the care of Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant.  A celebration of Kay’s life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com

Murphy Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant is handling the arrangements.

Gov. Reynolds issues a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency

DES MOINES –  Gov. Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency activating the public health response and recovery aspects of the State Disaster Emergency Plan effective at noon today.

It takes significant steps to require social distancing and limit community spread of the virus by implementing temporary measures including moving restaurants to drive-through, carry-out, and delivery only and closures of certain entities such as bars and recreational facilities. The proclamation also allows state agencies additional flexibility in responding to the unprecedented COVID-19 situation, and supports the critical work of public health.

“These are unprecedented times and the state of Iowa will do whatever is necessary to address this public health disaster. I have authorized all available state resources, supplies, equipment and materials to combat the spread of COVID-19,” said Gov. Reynolds. “The actions taken today are necessary to protect the health and safety of all Iowans and are critical to mitigating the spread of the virus.”

Read the full text of the proclamation below:

WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has reported an outbreak of thousands of cases of Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in multiple countries, causing illness and deaths; and

WHEREAS, on January 31, 2020, the United States Department of Health and Human Services declared a national public health emergency; and

WHEREAS, on March 9, 2020, a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency was issued to coordinate the State of Iowa’s response to this outbreak and such disaster continues to exist; and

WHEREAS, on March 11, 2020 the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic; and

WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring that the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States constitutes a national emergency; and

WHEREAS, multiple cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Iowa, and the Iowa Department of Public Health has determined that community spread of COVID-19 is occurring within our state; and

WHEREAS, reports forwarded by local public health officials and state public health officials indicate that local resources and capacities are being exhausted and state assistance and resources are necessary to respond to and recover from the effects of this public health disaster; and

WHEREAS, local jurisdictions may not have sufficient personnel and other resources to effectively conduct epidemiologic investigations of infectious disease outbreaks, provide medical care, and respond to health threats; and

WHEREAS, COVID-19 can spread person-to-person and poses a possibility of causing severe illness in certain populations and disability and/or death to certain Iowans.  Likewise, reports forwarded by federal, state, and local officials indicate that state assistance is needed to manage and contain this outbreak; and

WHEREAS, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 may be substantially reduced by separating and restricting the movement of persons known or suspected to have the disease, or who have been exposed to those known or suspected to have the disease; and

WHEREAS, the risk of transmission of COVID-19 may be substantially reduced by community containment strategies that may include temporarily closing schools in affected communities and other public venues; and

WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provision of the Iowa Code and Iowa Administrative Code requiring a certificate of need prior to an institutional health facility operating additional bed capacity will also prevent or hinder efforts to contain this public health disaster.

WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa law which establish preconditions or which would otherwise limit or restrict the provision of telehealth or telemedicine services and those which require face-to-face interactions with health care providers and requirements for residential and outpatient treatment and face-to-face visitations, would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state.

WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa law which prohibit the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, nursing, respiratory care, and practice as a physician assistant, with an inactive or lapsed license would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state.

WHEREAS, strict compliance with the provisions of Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 256.16(1)(a)(2)(d) and (m) and Iowa Admin. Code rules 281-77.10 (9), 281-79.14(5), and 281-79.14(7) that require a minimum number of hours of field experience in a practitioner preparation program provided by a higher education institution would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state.

WHEREAS, strict compliance with the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 321.174A, 321.196, 321.39, 321.46, 321.25 regarding driver’s license, title, and vehicle registration requirements would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster in all counties of our state.

WHEREAS, strict compliance with the permit and fee requirements of Iowa Code § 321E.29 and Iowa Admin. Code chapter 761-511 allowing oversize and overweight divisible loads under certain circumstances will prevent or hinder efforts to cope with this disaster in all counties of our state.

WHEREAS, strict compliance with the requirements of Iowa Code § 455C.3 (1) and Iowa Admin. Code chapter 567-107 that such dealers must accept empty beverage containers on which an Iowa deposit was made will prevent or hinder efforts to cope with this disaster in all counties of our state.

NOW THEREFORE, I, KIMBERLY K. REYNOLDS, Governor of the State of Iowa, by the power and authority vested in me by the Iowa Constitution, Art. IV, §§ 1, 8 and Iowa Code §§ 29C.6(1), 135.140(6), and 135.144 do hereby proclaim a STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH DISASTER EMERGENCY throughout the entire state of Iowa and do hereby ORDER and DIRECT the following:

SECTION ONE.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (1) and (10), I hereby activate the public health response and recovery aspects of the state disaster emergency plan applicable to this public health disaster and authorize the use and deployment of all available state resources, supplies, equipment, and materials as are reasonably necessary pursuant to those plans to assist those citizens located in the counties subject to this proclamation.

SECTION TWO.  I hereby direct the Iowa Department of Public Health, in conjunction with whatever further direction I provide, to take those reasonable and necessary actions authorized by Iowa Code § 135.144 to address this public health disaster, including but not limited to mobilizing as many public health response teams as are necessary to supplement and support disrupted or overburdened local medical and public health personnel, hospitals, and resources, as allowed by Iowa Code § 135.143 and 641 Iowa Admin. Code 113.2 (1), with the understanding that the registered members of those public health response teams providing assistance under this authority shall receive the protections and benefits of state employees as allowed by law.

SECTION THREE.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 135.144 (3), and in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Public Health, unless otherwise modified by subsequent proclamation or order of the Iowa Department of Public Health, I hereby order that effective Noon today, March 17, 2020, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2020:

  1.   Restaurants and Bars: All Restaurants and Bars are hereby closed to the general public except that to the extent permitted by applicable law, and in accordance with any recommendations of the Iowa Department of Public Health, food and beverages may be sold if such food or beverages are promptly taken from the premises, such as on a carry-out or drive-through basis, or if the food or beverage is delivered to customers off the premises.
  2. Fitness Center: All fitness centers, health clubs, health spas, gyms, aquatic centers are hereby closed.
  3.   Theaters: All theaters or other performance venues at which live performances or or motion pictures are shown are hereby closed.
  4.   Casinos and Gaming Facilities: All casinos and other facilities conducting pari-mutuel wagering or gaming operations are hereby closed.
  5. Mass Gathering: Social, community, spiritual, religious, recreational, leisure, and sporting gatherings and events of more than 10 people are hereby prohibited at all locations and venues, including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, and fundraisers. Planned large gatherings and events must be canceled or postponed until after termination of this disaster.
  6. Senior Citizen Centers and Adult Daycare Facilities:  All facilities that conduct adult day services or other senior citizen centers are hereby closed.

SECTION FOUR.  I hereby direct all state agencies to coordinate expeditiously in developing plans to mitigate the economic effects of the closings necessitated by this disaster, including potential financial support, regulatory relief, and other executive actions.

SECTION FIVE.  As required by Iowa Code § 29C.6 (1), (10) and 42 U.S.C. § 5170 in cases of Presidential Disaster Declarations, this Proclamation of Disaster Emergency continues to activate the disaster response and recovery aspects of the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management’s Iowa Emergency Response Plan and those additional response plans applicable to the counties affected by this disaster and authorizes the use and deployment of all available state resources, supplies, equipment, and materials as are reasonably necessary to assist those citizens located in the disaster affected counties.

SECTION SIX.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of 11 Iowa Admin. Code § 53.11 (3) prohibiting pay to those State of Iowa employees for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per workweek while present in the State’s Emergency Operations Center or otherwise engaged in assigned disaster response missions or other activities.

SECTION SEVEN.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (8) and (10), I continue to order all state agencies to utilize such personnel, equipment, and facilities as necessary to assist the Iowa Department of Public Health and the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in performing any and all activities necessary to prevent, contain, and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 virus.

SECTION EIGHT.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 135.61 through 135.73 requiring an institutional health facility to obtain a certificate of need prior to operating additional bed capacity. Suspension of these provisions is limited to the duration of this proclamation and is further limited to the provision of medical assistance and treatment of victims of this public health emergency.

SECTION NINE.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 147.137 and Iowa Admin. Code rule 653-13.11, rule 641-155.2, and other implementing administrative rules establishing preconditions, limitations, or restrictions on the provision of telehealth or telemedicine services, and I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Admin. Code rules 641-155.21(19) and 155.23(4) and other administrative rules which require face-to-face interactions with health care providers and impose requirements for residential and outpatient substance use disorder treatment and for face-to-face visitations.

SECTION TEN.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 147.10 and Iowa Admin. Code rules 653-9.13(6) and 9.14, rules 655-3.7(5), rules 645-261.8, and rules 645-326.9(8), and all other implementing administrative rules which prohibit the practice of medicine and surgery, osteopathic medicine and surgery, nursing, respiratory care, and practice as a physician assistant, by a licensee whose license is inactive or lapsed.  Suspension of these provisions is limited to licenses which have lapsed or expired within the five (5) years prior to this Proclamation and is further limited to the provision of medical and nursing care and treatment of victims of this public health disaster emergency and solely for the duration of this Proclamation.

SECTION ELEVEN.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 256.16(1)(a)(2)(d) and (m) and Iowa Admin. Code rules 281-77.10 (9), 281-79.14(5), and 281-79.14(7), to the extent that they require a minimum number of hours of field experience if the higher education institution providing practitioner preparation program determines that the student has completed sufficient field experience to determine that the student should be recommended for licensure.

SECTION TWELVE.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.196 prescribing that a driver’s license issued to a person age seventy-two or older expires after two years.  Suspension of this provision is limited to driver’s licenses which have expired within the 60 days prior to this Proclamation or during the duration of this Proclamation or any subsequent extension of this proclamation. And upon the expiration of the terms of this Proclamation or any subsequent extension of this proclamation, the statutory sixty-day period for renewing shall resume. This suspension shall not apply if the person is not eligible for a license due to the person’s license being suspended, revoked, denied or barred for any reason or if the person is physically or mentally incapable of operating a motor vehicle safely.

SECTION THIRTEEN.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.174A prescribing that a person shall not operate a motor vehicle on the highways of this state with an expired driver’s license as applied to a person whose driver’s license is expired. Suspension of this provision is limited to driver’s licenses which have expired within the 60 days prior to this Proclamation or during the duration of this Proclamation or any subsequent extension of this proclamation. And upon the expiration of the terms of this Proclamation or any subsequent extension of this proclamation, the statutory sixty-day period for renewing shall resume.

SECTION FOURTEEN.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.39 prescribing expiration dates for vehicle registration, registration cards, and registration plates as applied to a person whose vehicle registration, registration card, or registration plate is expired.  Suspension of this provision is limited to vehicle registration, registration cards, and registration plates which have expired within the 60 days prior to this Proclamation or during the duration of this Proclamation or any subsequent extension of this proclamation.

SECTION FIFTEEN.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.46 prescribing a transferee of a new motor vehicle shall apply for a new registration and certificate of title within 30 days of the purchase.

SECTION SIXTEEN.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.25 prescribing a vehicle may be operated upon the highways of this state without registration plates for a period of 45 days after the date of delivery of the vehicle to the purchaser from a dealer.

SECTION SEVENTEEN.  Pursuant to Iowa Code §29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code §§ 321.463 (6) (a) and (b) and 321E.29 and Iowa Admin. Code chapter 761-511, to the extent that those provisions restrict the movement of oversize and overweight loads of food, medical supplies, cleaning products, and other household goods, and require a permit to transport such loads.

  1. Suspension of these provisions applies to loads transported on all highways within Iowa, excluding the interstate system, and those which do not exceed a maximum of 90,000 pounds gross weight, do not exceed the maximum axle weight limit determined under the non-primary highway maximum gross weight table in Iowa Code §321.463 (6) (b), by more than twelve and one-half percent (12.5%), do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.
  2. This action is intended to allow vehicles transporting food, medical supplies, cleaning products, and other household goods to be oversize and overweight, not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight, without a permit, but only for the duration of this proclamation.
  3. The Iowa Department of Transportation is hereby directed to monitor the operation of this proclamation to assure the public’s safety and facilitate the movement of trucks involved in transporting food and other household goods.

SECTION EIGHTEEN.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 455C.3 (1) and Iowa Admin. Code chapter 567-107, to the extent that those provisions require a dealer to accept an empty beverage container on which an Iowa deposit was made. This action is intended to allow retailers who engage in the sale of liquor, beer, wine, carbonated beverages, and other beverages on which an Iowa beverage container deposit is made to stop accepting empty beverage containers for the duration of this disaster emergency.

SECTION NINETEEN.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6) and 49 CFR § 390.23, I continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code § 321.449 pertaining to hours of service of motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles, while transporting vaccines, antivirals, prescription drugs, protective equipment, and other necessary medical assets, subject to the following condition:

  1.   Nothing contained in this Proclamation shall be construed as an exemption from the controlled substances and alcohol use and testing requirements set out in 49 CFR Part 382, the commercial drivers’ license requirements set out in 49 CFR Part 383, the financial responsibility requirements set out in 49 CFR Part 387, or any other portion of the Code of Federal Regulations not specifically identified in this Proclamation.
  2. No motor carrier operating under the terms of this agreement shall require or allow a fatigued or ill driver to operate a motor vehicle.  A driver who informs a carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given at least ten consecutive hours off duty before the driver is required to return to service.
  3. Upon the request of a driver, a commercial motor carrier operating under this proclamation must give the driver at least thirty-four (34) consecutive hours off when the driver has been on duty for more than seventy (70) hours during any eight (8) consecutive days.
  4.   Motor carriers that have an out-of-service order in effect may not take advantage of the relief from regulations that this proclamation provides under title 49 CFR § 390.23.
  5. Upon the expiration of this Proclamation, or when a driver has been relieved of all duty and responsibility to transport necessary medical assets under the conditions of this Proclamation, a driver who has had at least thirty-four (34) consecutive hours off duty shall be permitted to start the driver’s on-duty status hours with the 60/70 hour clock at zero.
  6. This portion of this Proclamation of Disaster Emergency applies only to hours of service of motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles while actively transporting medical assets related to the COVID-19 event.

SECTION TWENTY.  Pursuant to Iowa Code § 29C.6 (6), I continue to temporarily suspend the regulatory provisions of Iowa Code Chapter 8A, Iowa Code § 313.10, 11 Iowa Admin. Code Chapters 117 and 118, and 641 Iowa Admin. Code Chapter 176, requiring the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and other state agencies involved in the response to this disaster emergency to procure goods and services through a competitive selection process. Suspension of these provisions is limited to the duration of this proclamation and is further limited to procurements which are necessary to prevent, contain, or mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 virus.

SECTION TWENTY-ONE.  The Iowa Department of Public Safety, the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa Department of Education, the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the Iowa Department of Transportation and other participating state agencies are hereby directed to monitor the operation and implementation of this proclamation to assure the public’s health and safety.

SECTION TWENTY-TWO.  Nothing contained in this declaration shall be construed as an exemption from any other portion of the Iowa Code or Iowa Administrative Code not specifically identified in this proclamation.

SECTION TWENTY-THREE.  This state of disaster emergency shall be effective immediately on March 16, 2020 shall continue for thirty (30) days, and shall expire on April 16, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., unless sooner terminated or extended in writing by me. Iowa Code § 29C.6 (1).

###

Warren Robert Garrels(update final arrangements)

Warren Robert Garrels, Mt. Pleasant, died Friday, March 13, 2020 at Sunnybrook Assisted Living in Mt. Pleasant.
The Funeral service for Mr. Garrels will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 18 at the First United Methodist Church, 309 N. Main St., Mt. Pleasant. The Reverend David Bracht-Wagner will officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant. Friends may call from 12 Noon to 9:00 PM on Tuesday at the Kimzey Funeral Home. There will be no family visitation.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the First United Methodist Church or the American Quarter Horse Association. Online condolences may be left at www.kimzeyfuneralhome.com.
Warren Robert Garrels was born April 6, 1936 at the family home, rural Henry County. He was the son of Elmer Stanley and Wilma Florence (Beattie) Garrels. He attended Pleasant Lawn School through the 8th grade and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1954. On August 30, 1959 at Elliott Lunning Chapel in Burlington, Warren married the love of his life, Barbara Ann (Hill) Garrels. Mrs. Garrels died May 8, 2018 at the University Hospitals in Iowa City.
Mr. Garrels was a lifelong farmer, primarily with grain and hogs. Beginning with his reining horse “Flash”, Warren began a long career in Quarter Horse breeding. He established Iris Quarter Horses, which was known and respected countrywide. His horses were frequent winners on dirt track and at county fairs as well as winning prestigious races at Prairie Meadows in Des Moines. Warren was a member of the Iowa Quarter Horse Association and Legacy Breeder with the National Quarter Horse Association. For registering a colt every year for 50 years, Warren was inducted into the American Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame.
Warren was an enrolled member of the former Beulah Methodist Church. After Beulah Church’s closing, he became a member of First United Methodist Church. During part of his working years, Warren was a member of the Iowa National guard. He enjoyed playing in several card groups. As a motorcycle enthusiast, he and Barbara loved the “Poker Runs” until he settled into riding Goldwing motorcycles. They loved to travel, making trips out west for Cheyenne Frontier days and many other trips and cruises which took them around the country and locations around the world. Dear to their hearts were the countless hours they spent to attend events involving their children, granddaughters and great grandchildren.
Those thankful for sharing in Warren’s life include 2 daughters and their husbands, Kerry & Craig Voelker and Kendra & Jerry Ruschill, all of Mt. Pleasant; 3 granddaughters and their husbands – Jerilyn & Tyler Horn, Jordy & Tyler Dingman and Karley & Damien Dawson; 6 great grandchildren – Anders & Kendall Horn, Lucy & Logan Dingman and Demi & Owen Dawson; a brother and his wife – Richard & Elizabeth Garrels of Mt. Pleasant; a brother-in-law, David Peterson of Storm Lake, IA and a host of nieces and nephews and their families.
His parents, wife, a son – Scott Garrels, 3 brothers – Floyd, Clifford, and Stan Garrels and 2 sisters – Charlotte (Clyde) Summers and Ruth Ann Peterson precede Warren in death.

HCHC implements new process for entrance to the health center

 

Due to the evolving situation with Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in Iowa, Henry County Health Center is implementing a new process to enter the facility. Effective Tuesday, 3/17/20, all patients and visitors are required to enter and exit through the HCHC main lobby entrance from 5:30 am-6 pm. For emergent medical conditions, patients should go to the Emergency Department entrance. After 6 pm Monday-Friday and on weekends, the only entrance open is at the Emergency Department.

 

To protect the health of our patients, visitors and associates, Henry County Health Center will screen all patients and visitors at our Main Lobby entrance. Patients and visitors entering the building will be screened for flu and COVID-19, including signs of fever, cough and shortness of breath. Hospital staff will examine entrants and give stickers to individuals indicating that they completed the screening process and notifying HCHC personnel that the individual is permitted to be inside the health center.

 

Individuals exhibiting signs or symptoms of flu-like illness are being asked to call their primary care provider office before coming to the health center or clinic.  Visitors for routine services showing symptoms such as runny nose, fatigue, chills, vomiting or diarrhea are asked to postpone their visits and reschedule.

 

HCHC’s new entrance process is being implemented as a proactive effort to contain the potential spread of influenza and COVID-19. HCHC appreciates the public’s assistance in our infection control efforts to help keep our patients and associates healthy.

 

Due to the entrance change, there is a different location for patients to pay bills. If people wish to pay a bill, there is an option to pay online at www.hchc.org or send payment through the mail. For individuals wanting to pay in person, since the North entrance is closed until further notice, please enter through HCHC’s Main Lobby entrance. Any of the Registration staff can assist with payment of bills. If individuals have questions about insurance, the appropriate HCHC associate will be called to answer questions.

 

Due to COVID-19 activity in Iowa, individuals experiencing cough, fever, or shortness of breath and have recently traveled or had contact with an individual confirmed to have COVID-19, should call their primary healthcare provider first before presenting to any clinic or emergency room. Specific protocols are in place to identify and evaluate patients who may have contracted COVID-19. Calling in advance will assure that proper infection control measures are taken so that other patients are not put at risk of potential infection of the virus. If you don’t have a provider and meet the above criteria, call the Iowa Department of Public Health by dialing 211 for more information.

 

HCHC would like to remind the public that the prevention measures for influenza and COVID-19 are as follows:

  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with tissue or your upper arm/elbow.
  • Clean your hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Contain germs by staying home when ill.

Family Medicine of Mt. Pleasant P.C. COVID-19 Update

as of Monday, March 16th, 2020
• We are temporarily making the below changes for the next 2 weeks, however, please keep in mind that this could change.
o Our office will be scheduling/rescheduling Healthy Patient Visits during morning hours only. We ask that if the patient, or any person attending or bringing the patient in, is showing ANY signs of a sickness that you cancel the appointment. We are attempting to make our morning appointments a contagion-free environment.
o Our office will be scheduling/rescheduling Sick Patients in the afternoon hours only.
o We will be temporarily STOPPING our WALK-IN clinic at this time.
o All persons entering the clinic will be screened for potential COVID-19 symptoms.
o All Family Medicine patients who keep their appointments will be given the option to wait in their vehicle after registering.
o We realize these changes will make an impact to you, our valued patients, however, we must take steps to try and reduce the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• What we ask of our patients and guardians.
o Please limit the number of people you bring into our office to the patient and parent/guardian only.
o If you have traveled to any country outside of the United States and/or any area in the US that has a high rate of Coronavirus infection, please contact us by phone before coming to your appointment for current recommendations.
o If you have any of the symptoms of the Coronavirus, please CALL first and DO NOT walk-in into our office. The CDC reports that symptoms include Fever, Cough, and Shortness of Breath.
• If you have any questions about the above temporary changes, please CALL our office during normal business hours: 319-385-6700, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Feel free to send us messages through our Facebook page as well.
• If you have any questions about the COVID-19 virus that we cannot answer, please contact the Iowa Department of Public Health 24-hour hotline by dialing 2-1-1.
• Thank you for your understanding and kindness to our staff during this very busy and stressful time.
• If you know family members, friends, or colleagues who visit our practice and do not partake in social media, please share this information with them as we are doing the very best to inform everyone, but we need your help.
Thank you! We love what we do and we’re here for you!
Sincerely,
The staff at Family Medicine of Mt. Pleasant P.C.

Phelan Ralph Bjorklund (final arrangements)

Phelan Ralph Bjorklund, 63, of New London, died Sunday, March 15, 2020 at his home in New London.  He was born September 2, 1956 in Hopkins, MN to Lloyd Andrew and Helen Marie Aslagson Bjorklund.

He was a 1974 graduate of New London High School and was a Fuel Specialist in the Air Force.

Phelan enjoyed gardening, raising flowers, Star Trek, The Cubs, reading Harry Potter books, watching old westerns, especially Gunsmoke, and was awesome at playing trivia.

Survivors include his mother of New London; two children and five grandchildren;

Siblings; Ronnie, Tammy and Sharon all of New London, Bonnie (Gene) Kerr of Lake St. Louis, MO, Gloria Detrick of Mt. Pleasant, Debbie (Rusty) Antel of Columbia, MO, and David (Deborah) of Ankeny; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father and brother Tom.

Due to the Covid-19 health crisis, a private family funeral will be held at Elliott Chapel with military rites by the Henry County Honor Guard and private burial at Burge Cemetery.  A memorial has been established for the New London Rescue Unit.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.