Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Named to president’s list at DMACC
Luke Peters, of Hartley, was named to the summer semester president’s list at Des Moines Area Community College. He is a building trades student.
To be eligible for inclusion on the list, a student must have completed a minimum of six credits and earned a 4.0 grade point average for the semester.
Iowa farmers serve on NCGA board
Iowa farmer-leaders continue to serve on the National Corn Growers Association’s Corn Board, fulfilling their elected roles.
In June, the corn board elected Chris Edgington, of Mitchell County, to become the organization’s first vice president for the next fiscal year, which began Oct. 1. Kevin Ross, of Pottawattamie County, becomes chairman. Serving with them is NCGA director Bruce Rohwer, of O’Brien County.
The NCGA corn board represents the organization on all matters while directing both policy and supervising day-to-day operations. Board members represent the federation of state organizations, supervise the affairs and activities of NCGA in partnership with the chief executive officer and implement NCGA policy established by the Corn Congress. Members also act as spokesmen for the NCGA and enhance the organization’s public standing on all organizational and policy issues.
Two NCC programs ranked in Top 5 nationally
The Health Information Technology and Medical Coding programs at Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon have been selected as some of the best in the United States by BestHealthDegrees.com.
In the study, NCC’s Health Information Technology program was ranked No. 2 in the nation for online Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) and the Medical Coding program was No. 3 for a diploma program. The Medical Coding program is the first year of the two-year Health Information Technology program.
According to the BestHealthDegrees.com website, editors ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report, and other higher education rating publications.
Health Information Technology is a two-year program that combines organizational and analytical skills with an interest in healthcare. Technicians perform data collection and analysis needed by doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Medical Coding is a one-year program. Medical coders assign a code to each diagnosis and procedure by using classification systems books and software. The classification system often determines the amount for which healthcare providers will be reimbursed.
NWI fishing report
Iowa Great Lake water temperatures were around 60 degrees or lower last week. The rest of this weeks extended forecast calls for cooler temperatures this weekend, but next week temperatures are expected to be in the upper 60s to 70s. The area walleye bite should start to pick up as water temperatures start to fall. The yellow perch bite has started to pick up.
East Okoboji Lake: The walleye season is open. The water temperature is 59 degrees. Bluegill, good. Find schools in deeper water. Black crappie, fair. Yellow perch, good. Yellow bass, good.
Spirit Lake: The walleye season is open; the bite should pick up as water temperatures fall. The water temperature was 57 degrees last week.
Bluegill, good. Schools are starting to move deeper off shore. Walleye, fair. A fairly good bite lately can also be seen from shore. Try bottom bouncers or crankbaits to cover more water. Black bullhead, fair. Anglers have been successful at the north grade. Yellow perch, good. The bite has really picked up; fish are starting to be found closer to shore from accessible areas such as docks. Other areas to try are small humps in the main basin or weed edges. Many 9-inch fish have been caught.
West Okoboji Lake: The walleye season is open. The water temperature was 59 degrees last week. The panfish bite has been good. The ability to anchor or use Spot Lock is very useful to stay on fish in about 20-30 feet of water. Fish will start to move to shallower water soon and be able to be caught from docks/shore.
Bluegill, good. Schools are deeper off shore. Try fishing in 20-30 feet of water off most points. Anglers have had success using pilkies. Smallmouth bass, fair. Find smallmouth bass on rock piles or on the points. Largemouth bass, fair. Find largemouth bass on the weed lines. Yellow perch, fair. Schools have started to move deeper off shore.
Medicare Part D open enrollment is coming
Every year between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 you can change your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan. SHIIP counselors can help you check your current Part D or Medicare Advantage plan to make sure your drugs are covered at the lowest cost and with the least amount of restrictions; check to see if you are eligible for Part D Extra Help; and understand your options if you do not currently have a drug plan.
Call (712) 957-5579 to reach a SHIIP counselor serving those living in O’Brien County. Leave a message with your name and phone number if voicemail picks up your call. They will return your call in 1-2 business days. You can also reach local SHIIP counselors by email at [email protected].
SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa Insurance Division. MercyOne Primghar Family Medical Clinic sponsors SHIIP in O’Brien County.