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Local
Back to School Screening for Kids
As Wapello and Keokuk County children enjoy their last few weeks of summer fun, parents are reminded of some needed back-to-school preparations.
There are now two new health screenings required by Iowa law. Beginning this year, law requires that all newly enrolled children receive a blood lead test, as well as a screening for dental disease. In addition, parents of students entering 9th grade must show their children have received a dental screening.
Contact American Home Finding's Child Health Clinic and I-Smile program in Ottumwa at 682-8784 or 800 452-1098 for assistance in getting these screenings completed.
Food Code Books Available
The City of Ottumwa Health and Inspections Department has copies of the 2005 Iowa Food Code available for local food service businesses. Food Code went into effect on July 1st, 2008 and deals with food safety for retail and food service industries such as restaurants, grocery stores, nursing homes, and other institutional and retail settings. Food Service professionals can pick up a copy of the new Food Code at City Hall, Room 203 at 105 E. Third Street. Licensed food service establishments in Ottumwa may have one free copy. Additional copies are $15.00.
ORHC to Close Mental Health Unit
The Mental Health Unit, which provides adult inpatient mental health services at Ottumwa Regional, will be closed, as soon as patients can be discharged or referred to other facilities. Ottumwa Regional is joining a growing and unfortunate trend of hospital-based mental health services nationwide, which cannot achieve sustainable programs due to the inability to recruit and retain necessary staff.
The closing will affect 23 full-time associates who will be offered other positions within ORHC depending on qualifications, or will be supported by the Human Resources department in finding other employment opportunities. Any employees not relocated will be provided with severance benefits.
Ottumwa Regional will continue to offer Behavioral and Mental Health Services in these area: Family Recovery Center substance abuse treatment... Bridge of Hope-Substance abuse treatment for mothers with children... Behavior Health Counseling Services... Outpatient Adult Psychiatric Care... Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Care.
United Way Meets Membership Requirements
Desiree Johnson, Executive Director, announced that the United Way of Wapello County has successfully completed all of the United Way of America membership requirements by their respective due dates. The requirements include Membership Requirements Certification, Membership Investment, the Database 2 Survey of Total Resources Generated, and a report of the United Way's annual income and expenses. Over and above the annual requirements, United Way of Wapello County completed a mandatory organizational self-assessment in 2006 as part of this process. The board of United Way of Wapello County reviewed and approved the Membership Requirements Certification on June 10, 2008.
State
Iowa's Sales Tax Holiday
Iowa's annual Sales Tax Holiday to help back-to-school shoppers save money is scheduled for August 1-2. The 9th annual tax holiday allows shoppers to buy clothing and footwear that costs less than $100.00 without having to pay sales tax. It includes pants, shirts, footwear, uniforms for school and work, socks, caps, and hats. Items not eligible for the tax-free holiday includes computers, backpacks, school supplies, jewelry, and clothing or footwear for sports.
U of I Investigation Reopened
The Iowa Board of Regents has unanimously voted to reopen its investigation into how the University of Iowa handeled an inquiry into the alleged assault of a woman by two football players. The Board met Tuesday afternoon to talk about letters sent to University officials, by the mother of the woman who claims she was raped on October 14th at a campus dorm.
Regent Chair President Davis Miles began the hearing voicing his desappointment on the lack of information not presented to the board. University President Sally Mason apologized, but said she was concerned about violating federal privacy laws.
