Child Care Center Checks

By Yorke Prough · Wednesday, December 13th, 2023 at 6:06 am CDT

Governor Reynolds announced the final round of Covid-era stipends for licensed and registered child care providers, including Child Care Centers and Child Development Homes. The application period runs through January 12, 2024.

“Childcare is the catalyst that drives economic growth,” said Governor Reynolds. “At a time when most parents work outside the home, access to reliable, safe, and affordable childcare allows parents to pursue their careers and contribute to the productivity and growth of our economy.”

Award amounts will range from $10,000 to $50,000 based on program size and number of applications received.  Funds can be used for one-time expenses related to employee recruitment and retention, minor renovations, or upgrading equipment. Stipend application and more information about the funding can be found on the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website.

Iowa is committed to multi-faceted solutions to child care challenges to provide quality care for children, keep parents working, and drive economic development.  In addition to issuing more than $218 million in Stabilization Grants directly to child care providers during the pandemic, HHS has launched programs to fund recruitment and retention bonuses, allow child care workforce to qualify for Child Care Assistance, and to promote partnerships between child care centers and local businesses to support wage enhancements for child care providers.

HHS has also partnered with Iowa Workforce Development to improve access to quality child care options. More than $35 million in Child Care Challenge grants have been awarded to regional and community projects to create more than 4,880 new child care slots across the state. In addition, the Child Care Business Incentive grant program encourages employers to offer child care as part of their benefits package. Funds support infrastructure investments to build or expand child care capacity, or support arrangements between employers and child care providers to expand and reserve slots for their employees’ children. To date, the $27 million in grant awards has generated a $58 million total investment and more than 1,860 new child care slots.

For more information about child care programs, visit the HHS website.

Nate Dismang Signs on to Play Golf at SCC Next Fall

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 at 4:54 pm CDT

Mt. Pleasant, IA- Nate Dismang will officially be a Blackhawk come next year as he signed his letter of commitment to Southeastern Community College (SCC) to play golf today. The senior at Mt. Pleasant was the second-best golfer on the squad last year as he averaged a score of 88.33 per 18 holes.

Dismang contributed several factors into his decision to choose SCC, including distance and money saved by not paying for housing, but, namely, he believes Head Coach Mike Swink will help him improve,

“I’m believing that SCC is just a great place and I’m glad that I’m able to have a place to move on with my academics. I’m just glad that I got a hold of Coach Swink, and he helped me out.”

Originally looking at becoming a chiropractor, Dismang soon realized that it was not the path for him; so, he redirected his path towards the family trade of business,

“…My mom and my brother are just huge inspirations as they both majored in business, and I just like how they support others and themselves and that’s just what I want to do.”

With time to still make memories as a Panther, Dismang picked a moment from last year’s season,

“At The Preserve in Moravia, just shooting my all-time low was just the greatest feeling, knowing it’s a super hard course and [I] was able to accomplish it.”

Dismang will be looking to transfer after his two years at SCC to a four-year university where he hopes to continue his golf career. The Panthers will start their season in the spring with a match at Fort Madison’s Sheaffer Memorial Golf Park on April 4th.

Bobby Phillips

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 at 10:35 am CDT

Bobby Wray Phillips, 88, of New London, died Monday, December 11, 2023 at New London Specialty Care.  He was born in Bellflower, Missouri on March 11, 1935 to Arthur Wray and Mae Juanita Stansbery Phillips.  He graduated from Ainsworth High School and then joined the National Guard.

Bobby was a lifelong farmer in the New London area.  He was baptized in the Lutheran faith.  His favorite past-times were bowling, golfing and fishing.

Survivors include his brother Kenneth (Janaan) Phillips of Cedar Rapids; two sisters, Frances Wiesner of Des Moines and Kathryn Osier of Mt. Pleasant; and many nieces and nephews.   He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Shirley and brother Dennis Phillips.

According to his wishes, his body has been cremated and a private family burial will be held at Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington at a later date.  Cards and memorials may be sent to Elliott Chapel, One Redbud Lane, New London, Iowa 52645.  Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.

Skilled Care Unit Reopening in January Needs Nurses

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 at 9:53 am CDT

The Klein Center, Great River Health’s long-term care facility, will be re-opening their skilled care unit in January of 2024.  They are actively recruiting for registered nurses (RN) and certified nursing assistants (CNA) to staff this newly opened unit.

A job fair will be held on Thursday, December 14, from 2:30-6:30 p.m. and on Friday, December 15, from 7:30-11:30 a.m. at the Klein Center. RN’s and CNA’s interested in applying for a position are encouraged to attend this event. The event will consist of open interviews with hiring professionals, a tour of the facility and a chance to meet the Klein Center team.

“We are excited to be able to reopen our skilled care unit to meet the growing need for this service line in our community.  We’re looking for compassionate and dedicated professionals – whether you’re new or a seasoned RN or CNA, if you’re passionate about quality care, we want to meet you! The Klein Center is committed to fostering a positive and supportive work environment and we invite you to come and experience the Klein Center difference,” expressed Beth Fleming, Vice-President of Post-Acute Care and Administrator of the Klein Center.

Skilled care refers to skilled nursing or rehabilitation services, provided by licensed health professionals like nurses and physical therapists, ordered by a doctor. A skilled care unit provides 24-hour medical care and supervision for residents with chronic health conditions.

The Klein Center is located at 1307 S. Gear Avenue in West Burlington. For more information, please call 319-768-3768 or visit www.greatriverhealth.org/careers to apply.

Two Dead in Ottumwa House Fire

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 at 7:50 am CDT

The Ottumwa Fire Department was requested to fight a house fire on Woodland Avenue in Ottumwa on Saturday. Around 7:30pm, firefighters arrived on scene and fought the fire for about eight hours.

Some members of the household made it out safely. Two people were killed as a result. The names of the victims have not been released as of yet.

The State Fire Marshall has been requested to investigate the cause of the fire.

Sports, December 12th

By Slaten Swords · Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 at 6:30 am CDT

High School Basketball

Mt. Pleasant hit the road last night for a non-conference showdown against Benton. For the girls’ game, the #5 Bobcats’ press defense ushered Benton out to a 31 to 4 first quarter lead and Mckenna Kramer’s seven three-pointers helped seal a 71-20 win for Benton. Abby Carthey led the way for the Panthers, scoring 7 points and grabbing four rebounds. 

The boys’ game flipped the script with the Panthers sprinting out to a 40 to 19 lead at halftime due to tough defense and transition offense with the eventual final being 83-39. Head Coach Eric Rawson talked about his team’s complete effort. Three Panthers finished in double figures with Christian Stacy cashing in for a game high 25 points, Payton Hagans scoring 21 points, and Nate Stroud getting 10 points. Coach Rawson talked about Stacy’s performance after the game. 

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Washington for a conference matchup on Friday, December 15th, with the girls’ game scheduled to start at 6 pm. 

The Mediapolis girls’ team was led by Haley Steffener’s 24 points in their 86-31 victory over Louisa-Muscatine last night. The boys followed suit for the Bulldogs with an 80-53 win over the Falcons. 

New London will host Mediapolis tonight with the girls starting the night at 6 pm.

WACO will host Highland tonight with the girls playing at 6 pm and the boys’ game to follow. 

Van Buren County will take on Danville tonight with the girls going at 6 pm. 

Winfield-Mt. Union will take on Columbus on Friday with the girls playing at 6 pm. 

Central Lee will face off against West Burlington tonight with the girls starting the night at 6 pm. 

Holy Trinity Catholic will take on Burlington Notre Dame tonight with the girls playing at 6 pm. 

High School Wrestling

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union girls’ team will compete on Saturday, December 16th, at Cedar Rapids-Prairie. 

The WACO will compete on Saturday at Chariton. 

Mt. Pleasant will travel to Fort Madison on Thursday, December 14th, to compete in a dual. 

The New London boys’ team will compete at Pekin on Thursday in a dual. 

The Columbus/Winfield-Mt. Union boys’ team will travel to Van Buren County on Thursday for a triangular. 

The WACO boys’ team will head to Mediapolis on Thursday to compete in a triangular. 

High School Bowling

Mt. Pleasant will take on Burlington on Friday, December 15th. 

Iowa High School Athletic Association

The IHSAA announced a partnership with RefReps yesterday to help provide officiating education content with a focus on school recruitment and training. RefReps offers online training for officials and courses for college and high school students aiming to become officials. Students in Iowa may be able to receive credits for taking RefReps courses through their schools. The courses for sports being offered are baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. 

The IHSAA will have 100 complimentary RefReps course seats for interested students this school year. To find out more about RefReps, follow this link: RefReps. 

College Football

Iowa State University will take on Memphis in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis on December 29th at 2:30 pm. The Cyclones defeated Memphis in the 2017 AutoZone Liberty Bowl 21-20. 

#20 Iowa will face off against #25 Tennessee in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on January 1st at noon. 

The Hawkeyes had four players named Associated Press (AP) All-American. Cooper DeJean notched two interceptions and five pass breakups. Sebastian Castro notched 61 tackles, one sack, and a team-high three interceptions. Tory Taylor, the 2023 Ray Guy Punter of the Year, averaged 47.9 yards per punt. Lastly, Jay Higgins led the Big Ten in tackles with 155. 

T.J. Tampa earned AP All-American after totaling 44 tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups. 

College Basketball

The #4 Iowa women’s team will compete against Cleveland State on Saturday, December 16th, at 6 pm. 

The Iowa State women’s team will host Troy on Sunday, December 17th, at 12 pm. 

The Iowa State men’s team will take on Florida A&M on Sunday at 5 pm. 

The Iowa men’s team will look to get back in the win column on Saturday at 3:30 pm against Florida A&M. 

This Day in Sports History

1930 – Baseball Rules Committee greatly revises the rule book, a ball bouncing into stands is no longer a home run, now a double. 

1965 – Chicago halfback Gale Sayers tied the NFL record for most touchdowns in a game with six in a 61–20 victory over San Francisco 49ers at Wrigley Field. 

1987 – Mookie Blaylock sets an NCAA record of 13 steals in a game. 

Extension of Proclamation Good News for Farmers

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 at 6:25 am CDT

Governor Kim Reynolds signed an extension of the proclamation relating to the weight limits and transportation of grain, fertilizer, and manure.

The proclamation is effective immediately and continues through January 11, 2024. The proclamation allows vehicles transporting corn, soybeans, hay, straw, silage, stover, fertilizer (dry, liquid, and gas), and manure (dry and liquid) to be overweight (not exceeding 90,000 pounds gross weight) without a permit for the duration of this proclamation.

This proclamation 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) (a) and (b), by more than 12.5 percent, do not exceed the legal maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and comply with posted limits on roads and bridges.

 

Ottumwa Police Department Participate in “No Shave November” Raise Funds for Young Girl with Leukemia

By Yorke Prough · Tuesday, December 12th, 2023 at 6:13 am CDT
Every year members of the Ottumwa Police Department participate in No Shave November as part of a fundraiser. It is that time again. This year marked our 9th annual No Shave November event.
This was by far the biggest and best year to date. This year we were able to branch out into other communities and sponsors along with new sponsors in Ottumwa. Saturday morning we were able to present the family with a huge check in the amount of $6.635!
This year we raised funds for 4 year old Khinley. Below is a quick narrative about Khinley, her family and her story.
“Khinley Jo has a unique story that starts out with we thought she had allergies the beginning of June, and with two Dr. visits and some blood work June 28th 2023 we received the news that she has T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and upon her admission to Iowa stead Family children’s hospital they took a chest X-ray and found a mass/tumor the size of a football taking up the space in her chest over her right lung, and pushing on her heart.
Within 12 hours of being admitted to the pediatric oncology unit, she was rushed down to the PICU, because she could no longer keep her oxygen level up by herself, and they risked losing her airway and not being able to intubate her as the mass/tumor was laying over her airway, and if she stopped breathing the mass/tumor could crush her heart, the artery’s around it, and her collapse her right lung. The next 24 hrs. were the most nerve racking as the Drs. had a long road to figure out how to sedate her without making her too sleepy so her mass/tumor wouldn’t crush the vital organs.
Friday June 30th she underwent successful procedures and came out like the champion we know her to be. On top of getting a PICC line placed, and a lumbar puncture done, within a few hours they noticed her kidneys were failing and needed to be placed on dialysis, they kept her lightly sedated and put a dialysis catheter in and she received dialysis for 48 hrs. After we found the kidney failure we noticed her chest was swelling, and she ended up needing a chest tube as well, and then she spent over a week in the PICU and 4-5 weeks in the pediatric oncology unit at the university of Iowa.
They did her bone marrow aspiration a couple of weeks ago, and said it came back negative and that means we can start phase two of treatment because she is now in remission, but that doesn’t mean we are close to the end of treatments, they quoted us a 2 and a half year treatment plan for the cancer she has.
As of right now we go to the hospital/ clinic once a week for chemo, and then give chemo meds at home, some weeks we have to go Monday- Friday. I quit my job back in April after working for ORHC for 14 years to stay home with our kids, my husband Taylor Selix works at Cargill for 12 years, and just joined the Centerville Police Department as a reserve officer.
We have 4 kids Tucker – 16, Kharley- 11, Khinley-4, Maverick-2. Khinley has a Facebook group if you would like to join to keep up on updates for her. Khinley Jo’s Journey.”