Author: Yorke Prough

A nursing home in Fort Madison was cited by the State after a requirement regarding Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) was not met. Based on clinical record review, staff interviews, and facility policy review, Aspire of Donnelson failed to follow Physician Orders to initiate CPR for two residents between January 18^th and January 29^th of 2024. One resident, named as resident #6 expired on January 18^th and resident #11 expired on January 29^th. The facility was informed of the immediate jeopardy on February 1^st.

According to the report, a male resident was observed lying in bed with ashen color and absence of respirations around 5:15 the morning of the 18^th. No heart sounds were found, and a pulse was not discovered at the carotid artery. The aide who discovered the body asked a nurse if she needed to begin CPR. The nurse explained that she had not been put in that situation before and was not sure if the resident was “full code” or not. According to the aide, her question was never answered, and the nurse informed the family of the death. CPR was never administered according to the report.

Less than two weeks later on January 29^th, a second resident was found unresponsive. According to medical records, a female resident was checked on by a CNA at 9:55pm that night and the resident was found unresponsive with no pulse. The female resident was then picked up by a funeral home before the night was over, and her family was notified. No attempts of CPR were performed by staff.

Staff members were educated on CPR and responding to emergencies.

On April 11^th, 2024, at 6:04 PM, the Burlington Fire Department was dispatched for smoke coming from the residence located at 16881 Kingwood Estates Dr. Middletown, IA. 52638. The residence is in rural Flint River Township. Due to the distance, Burlington Fire Department arrived 14 minutes later to find fire showing through the roof and began to set up water shuttle operations.

16881 Kingwood Estates is owned/occupied by Chandra k. Moser-Callaway. Ms. Callaway was not home at the time of the incident. The residence is insured and sustained major heat and water damage. Property loss is estimated to be $80,000. Content loss is still being determined.

There were no working smoke alarms present in the residence.

Burlington Fire Department was assisted by Danville Fire Department, Gladstone Fire Department, West Burlington Fire Department, Alliant Energy and Gas, and the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office.

There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries reported, and the last unit cleared the scene at 9:25 PM.

Following the investigation, the cause of the fire is undetermined.

Congratulations to recently named award recipients of the 2024 Access Energy Cooperative Lineworker Scholarship program! Receiving $2000 toward a line worker educational program are Hunter Gregory and Brendan Hudson.

Hunter will graduate from Central Lee High School. His plans are to attend the Powerline program at Northwest Community College.

Brendan will graduate from WACO High School, and will also be attending the Powerline program at Northwest Community College, as well as DMACC.

In addition to the $9000 in scholarship money awarded to students whose parents or guardians of the applicant are members of Access Energy Cooperative, up to two $2000 line worker scholarships can be awarded to students planning to pursue a career as a line worker. Winners are chosen based on their academics, achievements, community involvement, and a personal interview. They must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a qualifying lineworker educational program.

Access Energy Cooperative is a rural distribution electric cooperative, providing power to homes, farms, business and industry in 10 southeast Iowa counties.

On April 10, 2024 at approximately 11:00AM the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Junction Police Department conducted a residential narcotics warrant at 1201 8th Ave in Fredonia, IA. This was in reference to an on-going narcotics investigation into the distribution and use of methamphetamine. Illegal substances including 24 grams of methamphetamine, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms and marijuana were all seized; as well as drug packaging, paraphernalia and distributing materials.

As a result of this investigation Merril Shepherd, age 65 and Nicole Harris, age 38 both of this residence were arrested and transported to the Louisa County Jail.

Merril has been charged with class D felony possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, class D felony gathering/residence where controlled substance are used, class D felony drug tax stamp, 2 counts of misdemeanor possession of controlled substances and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nicole has been charged with class D felony gathering/residence where controlled substances are used, misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both subjects are being held on cash bond at the Louisa County Jail.

Assisting alongside the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office on the residential search warrant were the Columbus Junction Police Department and Louisa County Ambulance.

The Henry County Engineers Office has announced a construction project on Franklin Avenue (W-55) from the Skunk River bridge at Oakland Mills south to Jackson Street in Salem. This project on the nearly 6 mile stretch of road will begin on April 22^nd. This phase of construction will consist of culvert replacements and dirt work including shoulder widening. Please use the posted detour, as sections of the road will be closed to traffic. The road closures will change throughout the construction. All questions can be answered at 319 385 0762.