On December 12th at approximately 4:09am, the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to 11903 DMC Hwy 99 in reference to an unknown individual who was inside the residence.

While Deputies were enroute they were notified that a shot was fired, and someone had been struck by the bullet.

Upon arrival Deputies located a male with a gunshot wound. He was then transported to Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center for non-life threatening injuries.

Multiple people were interviewed at the scene and the DMCSO has determined there is no ongoing threat to the community. The incident remains under investigation.

The Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Burlington Police Department and the Burlington Fire Department and Paramedics.

The Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation (IALF) is making mini-grants available to support the integration of agriculture into classroom instruction or after school programs with an academic focus.

The Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher Supplement Grants, made possible through support from the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), are designed to help Iowa teachers initiate new projects or expand existing projects that promote agriculture literacy in students. Teachers can apply for $250 grants that can be used to fund innovative lessons, activities, classroom resources, guest speakers, outreach programs, field trips, and other projects.

Preschool through 12^th grade teachers, librarians, afterschool program coordinators, and Homeschool Assistance Programs at Iowa schools are eligible to apply. Grants must relate to social studies, science, math, language arts, or 21^st century skills and integrate agriculture into the learning.

“The IFBF is proud to provide financial assistance and support educators in their classrooms,” said Ronnette Vondrak, IFBF community resources manager. “Agricultural literacy is critical in further expanding knowledge and an understanding of the value and impact agriculture has across our state and world.”

The deadline for application is January 5, 2024, and the proposed project must take place between February 6 and June 7, 2024. To apply online or for more information visit https://www.iowaagliteracy.org/tools-resources/general/grants.

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.

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.

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.