Rain Pours Over the Raccoon River Valley
It’s no secret it has been a very wet week across the Raccoon River Valley, with flooding concerns in Dallas, Greene and Guthrie counties, but just how much rain did we receive?
According to the National Weather Service, Perry received just over six inches of rain this week for a total of more than 10.5 inches this month. That’s more than twice the normal monthly amount.
Jefferson saw another 4.6 inches of rain this week for a total of 8.4 inches this month, compared to the normal amount of around 5 inches.
Wednesday and Thursday rain totals for Guthrie Center are not available at this time, though 0.22 inch was recorded earlier this week, for a total of 5.4 inches this month.
There’s more rain in the forecast Sunday.
Free Health Fair at the Perry Hy-Vee Today with Dallas County Hospital
Everyone is invited to join the Dallas County Hospital out at the Perry Hy-Vee today for a free health fair.
Bob Wilson with the Perry Chamber says this is another example of what can be accomplished when different entities collaborate together.
“You can go out there and learn all sorts of healthy things. Healthy recipes, blood checks, balance checks, you’re going to learn more about health than you ever thought possible in just one little short trip to Hy-Vee. So pop out there, learn about health and also just thank those businesses for all their community support and the great things they do.”
The health fair takes place Saturday from 11am-1pm. Join Raccoon Valley Radio’s “Big Red Radio” as we will be out there broadcasting live through the duration of the event.
For more information, call 465-7516.
Alzheimer’s Association Benefit in Perry Tonight
We’re wrapping up Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness month and those who stop by the Perry Golf and Country Club Saturday will likely notice an abundance of purple.
Bob and Heather Nevitt are hosting a fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause close to their hearts after losing their wife and mother to the disease in 2013.
“I lost my mom over and over again. I lost her early. I’m also concerned about myself. It’s highly genetic, a lot of people don’t know that. The earlier you get tested, the better. So try not to be scared. It’s better to know ahead of time so you can take actions in your health and your exercise to help reduce getting it sooner. I’m also scared that my daughter is going to get it and that’s why I fight every day. That’s why I want to raise awareness and raise money to find a cure.”
Saturday’s event will include karaoke, dancing, a DJ and auctions. Heather says her goal for this year’s campaign is to raise $15,000 for the cause, after a groundbreaking year of raising $11,000 in 2014.
Entry into Saturday’s fundraiser is $20 per person or $30 per couple.
Unemployment Decreases Across the Region
The percentage of local residents without a job continued to decrease throughout the Raccoon River Valley last month.
According to Iowa Workforce Development, Dallas County’s unemployment rate decreased by one-tenth of a percent to 2.7 in May. Greene County saw a three-tenths of a percent drop to 3.9 percent last month and Guthrie County’s unemployment rate dropped two-tenths to 3.3 percent.
All three counties are faring better now than they were this time last year, when unemployment rates ranged between 3.2 and 4.1 percent locally.
The statewide unemployment rate remained steady in May at 3.8 percent, while national unemployment rate is 5.5 percent.
Gun Permit Applications to be Offered Online Starting July 1st
Dallas County residents looking to purchase a gun will soon be able to apply for permits from the comfort of their own home.
Starting July 1st, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office will be offering online conceal and carry permit applications and renewals.
Sheriff Chad Leonard says they’ve seen a large influx of applicants since five year carry permits became available in 2011 and they’re expecting the same in 2016.
“We wanted to get this process out early, so that applicants can familiarize themselves with the easy, online process, and hopefully reduce the amount of driving and time waiting for our citizens in processing those applications in the future.”
With the implementation of the new online system, the Sheriff’s Office will no longer accept paper applications. Citizens have the option either fill out the form online at home or at a kiosk in the Sheriff’s Office.
Leonard says the software will notify applicants via text message, voice message or email when their permit is ready for pick up.
“We are always looking for efficiency in county government and we believe that this is one improvement that will benefit our citizens and our office.”
If you have questions, call the Sheriff’s Office at 993-4771.