Homers and Gomers

HOMERS: WHAT'S GOING RIGHT

MANAGED CARE: State Department of Human Services leaders say their plan to switch payments for Medicaid services from the current fee-for-service model to outcomes-based reimbursements save the state $52 million in the first six months, alone, while reducing duplication and helping more Iowans stay healthier.

'''

EAGLES SOAR: Researchers say they've seen no evidence to support concerns voiced by Eagle Nature Foundation Executive Director Terrence Ingram that the bald eagle population in the Upper Midwest appears to be diminishing. In a column published in these pages on Feb. 22, Ingram wrote that his organization's annual eagle count showed a significant decline, but researchers say they've seen nothing to support his observations.

'''

GALLON DONORS: More than 600 people who have donated a gallon or more of blood to the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center were honored at a special lunch and dinner last week. Also recognized were blood drive coordinators and groups that help ensure our local hospitals have adequate supplies.

GOMERS: WHAT'S GOING WRONG

CANCER HOAX: An Atlantic mother has been ordered to return thousands of dollars to donors after she lied about her daughter having cancer. Apparently, Leatha Slauson shaved her daughter's head and made her wear a fake feeding tube to trick people into giving her money. A judge has approved $10,000 in payments to victims so far.

'''

FURTHER DELAY: There were more problems last week with a $132 million maximum security prison scheduled to open months ago. This time, officials had to shut off part of the prison's water supply because of a danger of freezing. Apparently, undersized geothermal heating units are to blame. 'Who the hell is in charge?” Rep. Clel Baudler, R-Greenfield, reportedly asked when the problem was described to him.

'''

NO BREAK: Linn-Mar school officials say if the district is not allowed to start the 2015-16 school year before Aug. 31, they may have to cancel spring break next year and push graduation into June.

' Comments: (319) 398-8469 or editorial@thegazette.com