Misprinted Magnets Lead To Confusion Over Trash/Recycling Collections
(Le Mars) — With the holidays now over, and a new year started, there has been some confusion with city residents concerning the trash and recycling schedule. City assistant administrator Bill Cole says some of the schedule magnets that were distributed had the wrong dates, which led to the confusion.
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Cole says next week, January 6-10, will be designated for recycling collection. The corrected magnets can be picked up at the city hall or at Van’s Sanitation in Le Mars.
Experts Say Be Prepared For The Coming Frigid Temperatures
(Le Mars) — Come Monday, the weather forcast is calling for our coldest day of the year with an expected high of eleven degrees below zero, not factoring in the wind chill which will make the temperature feel much worst. So, what do we need to do to better prepare ourselves for the winter sub-zero freeze that is expected? Mary Jo Clark, a registered nurse and Emergency Room Trauma Coordinator with Floyd Valley Hospital reminds us to bundle up before going outdoors.
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Clark says you should perhaps choose mittens over gloves during these frigid days, and make certain your head is covered.
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Clark reports Floyd Valley Hospital has already treated some frost biten victims. She says watch for symptoms of frost bite that include redness…numbness…and chrystalizing of the skin. She strongly suggests to limit your time outdoors.
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As for your home, Kevin Richards of DeJager Plumbing and Heating says to check your furnace filters.
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Richards says to make certain the ventilation system from the furnace is clear and free of ice, frost, dust, or even cobwebs.
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Another tip Richards suggests is to listen to your furnace in case it is making different noises than ususal.
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He says to install new batteries in your battery operated thermostats. Richards says your furnace will shut down if your battery dies. And finally, to prevent possible water line breaks, Richards says it may be wasteful, but he suggests to keep the water running.
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If you are concerned about your car being able to start with the frigid temperatures, Nick Hoss, service manager with Total Sales and Service says to make certain you have a good, strong, battery and to make certain your radiator has a good anti-freeze agent.
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The auto mechanic suggests using a fuel additve, and to keep your tank full of gasoline, not just for your car’s sake, but to give you added security, should you find yourself stranded.
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Hoss says you should “warm up” your car before traveling, and avoid those quick short trips until your vehicle has had a chance to warm the fluids.
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He says the use of heating blocks is another way to protect your car from the sub-zero temperatures.
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All three offer the advice to “just stay inside” on Monday.
Salvation Army Reports Receiving Over A Million Dollars In Red Kettle Campaign
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Salvation Army says its Red Kettle campaign topped the $1 million mark in the Des Moines area.
The charity announced Friday it had raised $1.06 million, including more than $400,000 from 60 kettles placed around the Des Moines metro area.
Although the kettles have been removed, the Salvation Army will continue its fundraising drive through January. The organization is 11 percent short of its $1.2 million goal.
In the last fiscal year, The Salvation Army helped more than 31,000 people through its family services department and provided groceries to more than 10,000 households. It also served nearly 100,000 hot breakfasts to homeless people and gave Christmas assistance to more than 1,000 families.
Iowa And Nebraska Form Joint Economic Development Partnership
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Business leaders in Iowa and Nebraska are joining forces to promote economic development in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area.
Govs. Terry Branstad and Dave Heineman signed an agreement Friday to add Advance Southwest Iowa Corp., a new public-private partnership, to the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership. The group includes business leaders from Douglas, Cass, Washington, Dodge and Sarpy counties in Nebraska.
David Brown, president of the Great Omaha Chamber of Commerce, says the partnership will work to market the area for new business investment and expansion.
Pete Tulipana, president and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation, says about 18,000 Council Bluffs residents cross the Missouri River each day to work in Omaha, and roughly 6,000 employees travel from Omaha to work in Council Bluffs.
Iowa Finalizes Agreement On Healthcare
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad says he has finalized an agreement with federal authorities to expand low income health care in Iowa.
Branstad announced Friday that the state received final documents this week from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Iowa sought a waiver enabling the state to receive more federal Medicaid money for the Iowa Health and Wellness Plan.
Under the plan, the state will take federal funding to create a new health plan for some poor residents and to pay the premiums for other low-income Iowans to get private insurance on the new health care exchanges. The program could eventually cover up to 150,000 Iowa residents.
State officials said more than 65,000 people have applied for coverage under the plan.
