DES MOINES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces today the first influenza-related death of the 2025-26 respiratory virus season. The individual was an older adult from southwest Iowa.

Iowa’s most recent Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report shows the virus at a very low level of activity, and hospitals are currently reporting low patient admission rates. Although flu activity in Iowa is currently low, Iowans can take a few simple precautions to keep themselves and their families healthy throughout the respiratory virus season.

“Holiday gatherings bring us together with family and friends we may not see often,” said State Medical Director Dr. Robert Kruse. “To keep those celebrations, our workplaces and our communities safe and healthy, I encourage everyone to stay home when feeling sick and to talk with your healthcare provider about vaccination.”

Vaccination protects from serious illness and death from respiratory diseases like flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). HHS encourages Iowans to talk to their doctor or other trusted health care provider about vaccines, especially those with chronic health conditions who may be at higher risk for serious illness.

Additional Tips to Stay Healthy:

• Stay home and avoid social gatherings if you or your children are sick.
• Clean high touch surfaces in your home frequently with household disinfectants.
• Practice hand hygiene frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or if a tissue is not available, cover them with an upper shirt sleeve, not a hand.
• Keep children home from daycare or school who have fever, cough, congestion, runny nose, or sore throat, and until they are fever-free for 24 hours without medications that reduce fever.

If you or a loved one is sick and needs medical care, contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can offer advice on whether you or your child needs to be evaluated in person, tested for flu or other respiratory diseases, and the best location for care.

Henry County is set to host the Women’s Woodland Program in Spring 2026, offering a valuable opportunity for women interested in forest management and conservation. The program is designed to support woodland owners, land managers, and outdoor enthusiasts by providing practical knowledge and hands-on tools for better stewarding their timber resources. 

Participants will learn about essential topics such as forest health and pest management, forest succession, and timber stand improvement techniques. Whether you’re managing family timberland, working to improve wildlife habitat, or simply passionate about woodland care, this program is tailored to help you make informed decisions on your land. 

For more information or to sign up, contact the Henry County extension office at 319-385-8126. 

The Henry County Historic Preservation Commission met Wednesday, November 19, at the Henry County Heritage Trust Museum.  

The Commission reported progress on four new brown historic marker signs, which are currently in the process of being installed. The signs will mark the Winfield C.B. & Q. Railroad Depot, the Henry County Institute of Science in Trenton, the Tri-T Country Club at Oakland Mills, and the abandoned town of Finis. 

Commissioners have also reviewed and submitted comments on a draft of the upcoming History of Railroads book being developed by BNSF historical consultants. In addition, the group received a recent photo from Lynn Conrad showing updates to the Oakland Mills K-Line Flagstop building, including a new roof and other improvements. 

Work continues organizing the county’s history guidebook. Commissioners reviewed the proposed layout and will begin searching for additional photographs of historic sites throughout the county to enhance the publication. 

Several commissioners’ terms will expire at the end of the year, prompting an active search for new members. Those interested in serving on the Henry County Historic Preservation Commission are encouraged to contact the Henry County Auditor’s Office for details. 

The Commission’s next meeting is scheduled for January 21, 2026. 

The latest conditions from the Lake Darling Management District show water temperatures continuing to cool across area lakes, shaping fish behavior as we head toward late fall. 

At East Lake Park Pond in Henry County, rainbow trout remain active following a recent stocking. With water temperatures in the mid-50s, the trout are still circulating the pond in their typical pattern, staying mostly in mid-depths as they move around the shoreline. 

At Lake Darling in Washington County, water temperatures are hovering near 50 degrees. Black crappie activity is fair, with fish behaving much like they do under early-ice conditions—holding near deeper structure and responding to subtle presentations. Bluegill are also in deeper water this week, settling into 8 to 10 feet as conditions cool. Their activity remains fair as they adjust to winter patterns. 

At Wilson Lake in Lee County, water temperatures are also in the mid-50s, and rainbow trout are showing excellent activity following recent stocking efforts. 

For additional updates or lake-specific information, anglers can contact Lake Darling Fisheries at 319-694-2430. 

The Iowa DNR Air Quality Bureau is encouraging Iowans to take part in the review of new draft air quality permits now available for public comment. These permits play an important role in protecting the air we breathe, and the DNR relies on community input to help guide the final decisions. Staff carefully evaluate each application, but public feedback is also considered before any permit is approved. 

One of the permits currently open for comment is a Title V Operating Permit for HyCast Foundry, LLC in Fairfield, located at 905 West Depot Avenue. Title V permits are required for facilities with the potential to emit higher levels of air pollutants, and every five years these permits undergo a federal review to ensure strong monitoring and compliance remain in place. HyCast Foundry is seeking approval to continue operating its existing Gray and Ductile Iron Foundries facility. 

Iowans are invited to review the draft permit and share their comments in writing with the assigned permit writer. The comment period for this permit closes December 20. 

More information and access to the draft permit can be found on the DNR’s Title V draft webpage or through the Iowa EASY Air Public Inquiry Portal. Find permit details at www.iowadnr.gov/titlev-draft or through the Iowa EASY Air Public Inquiry Portal and then click on the Public Notice tab.  

Riverside, Iowa — Elite Casino Resorts, LLC announced Wednesday that the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission has officially approved the company’s acquisition of Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort in Burlington. The deal is expected to close on January 27, 2026, marking a major development in Southeast Iowa’s tourism and entertainment landscape.

With the approval in place, Elite Casino Resorts also confirmed plans to rebrand Catfish Bend Casino next year as Great River Casino Resort, a name chosen to reflect Burlington’s deep Mississippi River heritage and long-standing reputation as a regional destination for recreation and community gatherings.

“A Meaningful Day” for Elite Casino Resorts

“This is a meaningful day for our family and our more than 1,200 Iowa unitholders,” said Dan Kehl, Chief Executive Officer of Elite Casino Resorts. “We are deeply grateful to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission for their support and approval. Returning to Burlington feels like coming home, and the Great River Casino Resort name reflects the pride we have in this community and its strong river heritage.”

Elite emphasized that all current staff at Catfish Bend Casino and FunCity Resort will be invited to stay on board. Employees will gain expanded access to training and professional development opportunities across Elite’s multi-property network, which includes facilities in Riverside and Davenport.

Boost for Regional Tourism

The acquisition expands Elite Casino Resorts’ presence in Eastern Iowa, creating a strengthened corridor of entertainment destinations along the region. The company noted that the move will allow for enhanced entertainment programming, broader tourism partnerships, and coordinated guest experiences across its properties.

Elite also reaffirmed its commitment to work alongside Burlington-area organizations, events, and long-standing partners.

“We appreciate the leadership and care that have guided this property,” Kehl said. “We look forward to collaborating with local stakeholders as we transition to the Great River Casino Resort and continue supporting the communities that make this region special.”

The rebranding and transition process is expected to unfold throughout 2026 following the official closing of the acquisition.