New Tests Could Test for Both Coronavirus and Flu

On Thursday, the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization for a diagnostic test that can test for both the flu and coronavirus. They have approved three such tests.

A combination test works by testing a single sample from a patient for multiple respiratory diseases, such as the Coronavirus and seasonal flu. Taking just one sample reduces the need for supplies, such as swabs and personal protective equipment. 

The FDA has been pushing developers to work with the FDA on combination tests that they say will preserve critical testing resources during the upcoming flu season.

Nodaway County Gets 29th Coronavirus Case

On Saturday, Nodaway County announced its 29th positive Coronavirus test. The individual is between the ages of 30 and 39 and is a household contact to another positive case. They are isolated in a private residence. If you have not been contacted by the health department, you are not considered a close contact with this individual and are not at increased risk.

Allendale Fourth of July Breakfast 2020

The Fourth of July Breakfast was held as usual Saturday despite COVID-19 concerns and a rainstorm that passed through the area that morning. 

Gregg Sherwood of Albany was the speaker; he said that in an age of mass confusion, “Do we really know what matters?” He said that if we asked, God would change our situation. He said that conflict happens when people were not in agreement, and that prayer before going into interactions would give us wisdom to avoid conflict. He said that whatever we asked in Jesus’ name, God would grant. 

Jack Cottrell was the oldest veteran present and the oldest man present as well. Evelyn Groom was the oldest woman present. Political candidates Rick Frese (East Commissioner), Reggie Nonneman (East Commissioner), Miles Spainhower (Assessor), and Karla Hawk (Assessor) introduced themselves. Paul Myers raised the flag. Hadley Briner (5 weeks) was the youngest girl, and Rollin Parkhurst (5 months) was the youngest boy. Betty McCabe, Linda Brown’s sister, came the farthest away, from Oregon, over 1,700 miles.

Letter to the Editor -- Hot Dogs Belong on the Grill, Not in Cars

Dear Editor,

As we approach the dog days of summer, it is important to remember that hot dogs belong on the grill, not in a vehicle.

Canines can easily overheat and die when left in a hot car. When a dog's internal body temperature exceeds 105.8°F, it can suffer from heatstroke, which has a 50 percent fatality rate. Even when dogs survive, many suffer permanent brain damage. The temperature inside a car can increase drastically very quickly, making it lethal for dogs in as little as 6 minutes.

On hot days, ensure your pets are in environments that are either shaded, well ventilated or temperature-controlled with access to ample, clean water. Our dogs are always watching out for us, remember to return the favor.

Robin R. Ganzert, Ph.D.

President and CEO, American Humane

1400 16th St NW #360

Washington, DC 20036

Young at Heart Resources to Hold Elections

Every year Young at Heart Resources (formerly the Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging) holds regional elections to its Board of Directors. The board is comprised of 9 members representing 18 counties in Northwest Missouri, and each member term is 3 years.

Current members Kathy Roach, Ruth Rother, and Johnnie Herndon are up for reelection, which means there are 3 member seats open to new candidates who reside in the following counties: Andrew, Buchanan, Caldwell, DeKalb, Grundy, Harrison, Holt, Putnam, Sullivan, or Worth. 

If you are interested in running, you can obtain a candidate packet by visiting yahresourcses.org/news, contacting Janna at jleadbetter@yahresources.org, or by calling 660-240-9400. Candidate packets must be turned in by July 17, 2020.

“Young at Heart Resources Board of Directors plays a vital role in the mission of the organization. I encourage those individuals with a desire to give back to run for the board,” says Sherry Golden, Board Chair.

Residents 60 and above residing in our Northwest Missouri service area will be able to cast a ballot at a polling site located in their county. Each county will have at least one polling site, which will be announced closer to the election date.

Young at Heart Resources is one of 10 planning and service agencies in Missouri. Its primary client groups are adults who are at least 60 years of age and their caregivers. The organization targets low income people but serves all income levels, asking only for voluntary contributions to expand services. It is unbiased in helping clients make informed choices. Young at Heart Resources promotes systems that maintain and enhance the quality of life for older adults, wherever they may live. It is funded by federal, state, and local resources, as well as contributions, and has served older adults in its 18-county public service area since 1973. 

No, OSHA Does Not Say N95 Masks are Ineffective

No, OSHA does not say that face coverings should not be worn or that N95 masks are ineffective. Snopes lists what is true and what isn’t:

True:

–Unfiltered air can still reach others, increasing the risk of infection. Social distancing is still necessary.

–Masks get dirty easily, which is why they must be washed.

False:

–Cloth and surgical masks, contrary to the post, are effective because they prevent infection from droplets.

–Contrary to the post, people who wear masks are in little to no danger of breathing in too much carbon dioxide.

Courthouse News for July 1st, 2020

On June 23rd, a Grant City woman reported that there was a massive bat problem in her home. There were 11 caught in her living area as of the evening of the 24th in a span of 72 hours. One evening, she observed 40 flying out of her attic.

On June 23rd, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Anthony Johnson (33) of Bethany alleging No Valid License.

On June 24th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Elizabeth Lanning (36) of Ridgeway alleging No Valid License.

On June 25th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Deshawn Pennington (55) of San Antonio (TX) alleging No Valid License.

On June 25th, Harrison County Prosecutor Johnathan Meyer filed charges against Aaron Wheeler (35) of Henderson (NV) alleging Property Damage.

On June 26th, the Ringgold County Sheriff’s Department reported that a man in his 60’s with a gray beard and short hair and light blue shirt tried to abduct a female child in Mount Ayr. He was allegedly driving a white Dodge Caravan. 

On June 26th, a Maryville woman reported that someone had backed into her car while pulling out and left the scene.

On June 26th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Brian Chattin (42) of Garland (TX) alleging Possession of Controlled Substance (Felony).

On June 26th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Dakota Cowan (26) of Clearmont alleging DWI.

On June 27th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Max Shafer (32) of Fairfax alleging Driving While Revoked and Failure to Register.

On June 28th, the Missouri State Highway Patrol arrested Renchenina Kanus (42) of Ottumwa (IA) in Harrison County on charges of Driving While Suspended and Speeding (86 mph). 

On June 29th, Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice filed charges against Michelle LaTour (30) of Maryville alleging Stealing.

Charges listed are mere allegations. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Nodaway County Prosecutor Robert Rice was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge by Governor Mike Parson. He does not begin his duties until July 3rd. Until then, he still serves as Nodaway County Prosecutor. After July 3rd, David Baird will serve as Interim Prosecutor until Governor Mike Parson appoints someone to replace him. Baird was appointed by Circuit Judge Roger Prokes.