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Home Care In Afton, IA

Home Care Afton, IA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Afton Historical Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Afton, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

In-Home Care Afton, IA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the”

Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the caregiver is sick, nobody comes. I would think that they need a little more back up than they have right now. They give me a schedule, and billing is paid by Medicaid.
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“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose”

I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose it. The caregiver is very good with a very good attitude. They were able to provide the caregiver for myself immediately. She accompanies me to shopping.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best is OK but doesn’t seem to make up hours very well. When the caregiver is sick, nobody comes. I would think that they need a little more back up than they have right now. They give me a schedule, and billing is paid by Medicaid.”

DouglasJJIWF
×
TESTIMONIALS

“I knew a lady who works for Always Best Health Care that's why I chose it. The caregiver is very good with a very good attitude. They were able to provide the caregiver for myself immediately. She accompanies me to shopping.”

Carol64210350

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Afton, IA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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Senior Care Afton, IA

Types of Elderly Care in Afton, IA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming
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Respite Care Afton, IA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
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Caregivers Afton, IA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Afton Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
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Home Care Afton, IA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Current Restaurant & Bar or visit Clark Tower, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

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In-Home Care Afton, IA

Benefits of Home Care in Afton, IA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Afton, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Elderly Care Afton, IA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
Senior Care Afton, IA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Afton, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.

Respite Care Afton, IA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
Caregivers Afton, IA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Care
  • Afton Manor
  • Vickie Lynn Drigans
  • Artis Senior Living of Woodbury
  • Country Manor Memory Care
  • Independent Home Solutions
Home Care Afton, IA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

In-Home Care Afton, IA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Afton, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

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Elderly Care Afton, IA

Latest News in Afton, IA

Marshalltown’s newest pumpkin patch is open!

Blake and Afton Coleman opened Highland Hill Pumpkins in 2019 because they wanted to see a pumpkin patch in Marshalltown.“This is our second year,” Afton said. “We have really enjoyed going to pumpkin patches with our family and that fall atmosphere, but we realized we had to travel about 50 miles to get to a you-pick (pumpkin patch) so we decided to kick this off on a fairly small scale and see how it went.”They only have a little more than one acre devoted to their patch, but the recent wet weather has...

Blake and Afton Coleman opened Highland Hill Pumpkins in 2019 because they wanted to see a pumpkin patch in Marshalltown.

“This is our second year,” Afton said. “We have really enjoyed going to pumpkin patches with our family and that fall atmosphere, but we realized we had to travel about 50 miles to get to a you-pick (pumpkin patch) so we decided to kick this off on a fairly small scale and see how it went.”

They only have a little more than one acre devoted to their patch, but the recent wet weather has helped them grow quite a few pumpkins.

“We wanted to get the pumpkin piece down first,” Blake said. “A lot of patches have a lot of other activities and things you can do, but the main thing is, if we’re going to have a pumpkin patch we want to have actual pumpkins.”

Their acre is at 817 Highland Acres near the edge of Marshalltown. They recently opened up for the season on Sept. 19.

The couple wants to offer more than Jack o’lanterns and offer a variety of pumpkins from the decorative to the delicious. Before they even started planting the Colemans researched pumpkin seeds and the growing process.

“We want to have some specialties that you can’t just go to the supermarket and go and get,” Blake said. “Some are good for baking, some have unique color. A different variety for folks.”

Blake’s father is an agronomist so they have a little bit of a farming background.

“That’s definitely been helpful,” he said.

They have been able to really utilize their one acre to grow pumpkins since they started.

“We’re only on half of that,” Blake said.

The derecho and COVID-19 pandemic have impacted their second year of growing.

“We had a pretty wet spring and then we got zero rain after that,” Blake said. “We were kind of concerned about how things were going to turn out.”

Luckily pumpkin plants are fairly resilient.

The derecho knocked around some of their pumpkins and scared some of them, but it also brought several weeks of rain.

“We have plenty of pumpkins this year that came out pretty well all things considered,” Blake said.

This is a side project for the couple, they both have careers at Emerson

The pandemic has not allowed them to do too many different new outdoor activities, but they are offering online sales and they’ve expanded their you-pick operations. They also have a roadside stand.

“We decided not to expand into the amusement type of things considering the pandemic,” Afton said. “We wanted to enhance the safety measures.”

They hope to expand their activities in the future and offer a variety of different amusement features.

“Our goal is to start small,” Blake said. “We’ll try to expand from there, but we’ll see what we come up with for next year.”

——

Contact Thomas Nelson at 641-753-6611 or [email protected]

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Todays News

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Thousands cheer as tractor pulls return to the Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, Iowa – For the first time in four years, the roar of engines and the roar of the crowd returned to the Iowa State Fair as Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulls debuted at the new Elwell Family Park.Thousands of people filled the stands Tuesday and Wednesday to see the following winners:TUESDAY:Naturally Aspirated 2WD1st Place: Ragin Red - Aaron Dekkers, Hawarden, IA. 300.5'2nd Place: Twisted Sister – Alyssa VanBeek, Lennex, SD. 296.93'Light Super Stock...

DES MOINES, Iowa – For the first time in four years, the roar of engines and the roar of the crowd returned to the Iowa State Fair as Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulls debuted at the new Elwell Family Park.

Thousands of people filled the stands Tuesday and Wednesday to see the following winners:

TUESDAY:

Naturally Aspirated 2WD

1st Place: Ragin Red - Aaron Dekkers, Hawarden, IA. 300.5'

2nd Place: Twisted Sister – Alyssa VanBeek, Lennex, SD. 296.93'

Light Super Stock

1st : Eleanor – Mark Ulmer, Meno, SD 364.30'

2nd: Barn Burner – Cory Schluter, Carrollton, MO. 357.9'

ProStock 4x4

1st: Chain Stretcher – Toby Vanderpool, Indianola, IA. 267.23

2nd: Trouble Maker – Brett Stamps, New Market, IA. 266.73

Super Farm

1st: Burnin Bucks – Mike Duncklau, Pilger, NE. 321.55

2nd: Brule Buck – Ron Ehmen, Syracuse, NE. 312.68

Limited Pro Stock

1st: Black 1066 – Jesse Giza, Afton, IA. 351.06

2nd: Gopher – Connie Mullenix, Unionville, MO. 333.13

540

1st: Hostile Environment – Ryan Mitchell, Pella, IA. 273.52

2nd: The Entertainer – Dan Schullo, Cumberland, IA. 273.22

Unlimited Super Stock

1st: Deere Fever – Gary Wipf – Frankfort, SD. 336.09

2nd: Deere Factor – Collin Weins – Beatrice, NE 328.35

Modified Tractors

1st: Sweet Pain – Craig Ulmer – Larchwood, IA. 296.07

2nd: Cotton Candy – Cameron Neaves – McAdoo, TX. 292.48

WEDNESDAY:

Pro Field

1st: Buck Wild – Bill Ruwe, Blair, NE. 323.22

2nd: She Said No – Tyler Franken, Sioux Center, IA. 317.19

Light Limited Pro Stock

1st: Johnny B Good – Brad Lundell, Kiron, IA. 338.13

2nd: The Mule Skinner – Brittany Peiffer, Harper, IA. 314.33

Diesel Super Stock

1st Place: Born Deere - Tyler Boeckmann, Waverly, IA. 279.27

2nd: Etreme Pleasure – Taylor VanBeek, Rock Valley, IA. 279.71

Pro Stock

1st: Dirtslinging Deere – David Yarick, Rich Hill, MO. 334.08

2nd: Gang Green – Grey Porter, Mercer, MO. 330.68

Modified 2WD

1st: Whip It – Donald Nelson, Cat Springs, TX. 323.80

2nd: Heartbeat – Lynn Stummer, Waverly, IA. 323.64

Modified 4WD

1st: Nuttin Honey – Nick Christenson, Cumberland, IA. 328.79

2nd: Unfinished Business – Josh Mazur, St. Joseph, MO. 320.48

The new park was created thanks to a donation from the Denny and Candy Elwell Family. Phase one of the project was completed for the 2021 State Fair and also hosts a Monster Truck and Demolition Derby event.

The Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pulls were sponsored by Titan Tire, manufacturer of Titan and Goodyear Farm Tires, and media partners WHO Radio Big Show and Iowa Farmer Today.

Damage reported in southwest Iowa after Tuesday night's storms

National Weather Service meteorologists are still trying to determine whether a tornado touched down near Orient.CRESTON, Iowa — Another round of strong to severe storms pushed through Iowa on Tuesday night, but this time the heaviest rain and most intense winds affected communities southwest of Des Moines.The National Weather Service in Des Moines reported tree and powerline damage in parts of Creston and Orient, and emergency managers in Adair Co...

National Weather Service meteorologists are still trying to determine whether a tornado touched down near Orient.

CRESTON, Iowa — Another round of strong to severe storms pushed through Iowa on Tuesday night, but this time the heaviest rain and most intense winds affected communities southwest of Des Moines.

The National Weather Service in Des Moines reported tree and powerline damage in parts of Creston and Orient, and emergency managers in Adair County reported a large tree fell on a home in Orient.

This damage is likely a result of wind gusts higher than 65 mph, as it is still unclear whether a tornado touched down in the area.

Parts of Adair, Madison, and Union County were under a tornado warning for a little more than a half hour on Tuesday evening, but early Wednesday NWS meteorologists said they were still investigating if the severe storm actually produced a tornado.

Tuesday night's storms also dropped quite a bit of heavy rainfall in southern and southwestern Iowa.

Doppler radar rain total estimates suggest more than an inch of rain fell in Adair, Afton, Chariton, Greenfield, Humeston, Indianola, and Osceola, while more than two inches of rain fell in both Bedford and Red Oak.

Recent heavy rain in central Iowa has caused river levels to rise, including a stretch of the Raccoon River near Fleur Drive in Des Moines.

On Tuesday, Des Moines Public Works reported the Raccoon River had spilled over its banks, causing flooding on a portion of George Flagg Parkway.

George Flagg Parkway reopened on Wednesday morning, city leaders said in a news release.

Traffic Alert: George Flagg Parkway has been closed closed between SW 30th and Park Ave due to flooding from the Raccoon River. River levels reached 12 feet this morning leading to water on the road and unsafe driving conditions. https://t.co/C7xV3RNbXq pic.twitter.com/hRDiXYKgF8

— DSM Public Works (@dmdpw) June 7, 2022

More showers and isolated thunderstorms are in the forecast for Thursday night through Friday morning.

Fire-damaged home pits a couple against Iowa town

A fire heavily damaged the home last June, which started a series of hardships for the family. The city has also cited the property with multiple nuisances. Infinite Scroll Enabled GET LOCAL BREAKING NEWS ALERTSThe latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.Your Email AddressPrivacy Notice AFTON, Iowa —A house in Afton has been at the center o...

A fire heavily damaged the home last June, which started a series of hardships for the family. The city has also cited the property with multiple nuisances.

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AFTON, Iowa —

A house in Afton has been at the center of loss, struggle and frustration, not only for the owners but also for the community, and soon the home may be torn down.

A fire at the home on June 8, 2021, started a series of hardships and health emergencies for the Beaman family.

The couple experienced miscarriages, a mother was hospitalized with severe heart problems and the husband was diagnosed with cancer.

"The cancer diagnosis, that was just — I think that was where the bottom fell out," said Kelly Stull, the mother of Melanie Beaman. "It was gut-wrenching. Why is this happening?"

More than a year later, the home is not habitable following the fire, though the couple and some family members have continued to work on it.

The city of Afton has cited the property for several nuisances, including overgrown vegetation, accumulation of junk, maintaining junk vehicles and keeping a dangerous vehicle.

Neighbors have also complained about the property, though the couple and their son do not currently live there.

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While the couple originally told the city they hoped to bring the home into compliance by December of 2022, it now appears those hopes may be fading.

On Monday, family members were removed from the home remaining valuables and even scrap metal they intend to sell.

The husband seemed resigned that Afton would soon tear it down, though "Save Our Home" signs still line the property.

Afton released a statement that said: "The City recognizes that this is a difficult situation for the Beamans. Even in difficult situations, the City has an obligation to look out for the best interests of the community as a whole, and has taken the steps it believes are necessary to protect those interests and the safety of the community."

It's unclear if or when the home may be torn down.

"It's very difficult," Stull said. "This is where they started their family. This was their first home together that they purchased."

Sioux Center gains toy, home decor store

SIOUX CENTER—Afton Brundell absolutely loves Christmas.In fact, Momma Claus has been the signature name of the Twin Cities transplant on social media long before she moved to Sioux Center with her husband and four children last spring.She’s using that as part of the name of her new store she opened Friday, Oct. 8, in Sioux Center called Momma Claus’ General Store, 83 W. First St., in the strip mall between Butlers Cafe & Coffee and Sioux Center Chiropractic Wellness Center.“Momma Claus is this...

SIOUX CENTER—Afton Brundell absolutely loves Christmas.

In fact, Momma Claus has been the signature name of the Twin Cities transplant on social media long before she moved to Sioux Center with her husband and four children last spring.

She’s using that as part of the name of her new store she opened Friday, Oct. 8, in Sioux Center called Momma Claus’ General Store, 83 W. First St., in the strip mall between Butlers Cafe & Coffee and Sioux Center Chiropractic Wellness Center.

“Momma Claus is this figure that lives all year long but really shines during Christmastime,” said Brundell, 30. “That’s a reflection of what I want the store to be — have home decor and children’s gift items as well as an emphasis on seasonal items, especially Christmas.

“As for the second part, in a general store there any be anything inside. There used to be a general store in every community where the owner knew all his customers and often their needs. I want to have that sense of familiarity with my customers too, which went into the name.”

Brundell’s goal is to make Momma Claus’ General Store a fun place to shop throughout the year. Within the store are a variety of children’s toys, games and books, including youth Bibles, as well as home decor and gifts for every occasion. There’s also a men’s gift section.

“There’s something for every everyone whether it’s for the man in your life or a small gift of gratitude to bless those you care about,” Brundell said.

She plans to showcase the various holidays throughout the year, but Christmas will be the grandest of all — hence her goal to open this fall after she began pursuing the store idea in July.

“We always tried to visit family in the community each summer so I had been in the community but after moving here, I was working a part-time job and really felt there was a need in the community to have a cozy space that people could shop.”

Brundell has past retail experience but opening and managing a store is a new venture.

“It’s been something I’ve always thought about but never thought would actually happen,” she said, noting she and her husband grew up in the Twin Cities area. “In Minnesota everything is so saturated with shops. Coming here I felt there was a need to have more places than Walmart or shopping online be the go-to place for kids’ toys and seasonal items. There are so many education, fun toy options I wanted to show others.”

In her kids section there’s even a train table and LEGO table for kids to use.

The store also has two TVs, a large flat screen up front will play seasons movies or slides of upcoming events. The second TV is dedicated for the kids area so they an enjoy a children’s movie or holiday movies while they play.

“So often we as moms are telling are kids ‘don’t touch that’ but I wanted to have a space where kids are encouraged to be hands on,” she said. “I want the store to be an experience, not just another store that’s sales focused. I want it to be fun and inviting whether they buy something or not. Even if a mom is just wanting to get out of the house with her kids, they can come here and play. As a mom, I get that. I hope I can provide that space that’s fun and different.”

Brundell hopes to offer events at the store throughout the year as well.

Coming soon, she’ll be able to offer custom laser cutting and printing services.

“My brother-in-law has joked about us moving here but growing up in the Twin Cities, my husband and I never thought we’d move to a small town. Since everything going on in Minnesota with COVID, we felt it was time to go,” Brundell said. “We wanted a good Christian community, a place where our kids could get back to a sense of normal. It’s been awesome being here because we’ve found all those things and more. Through opening this store, I feel like I finally found what I want to do. It’s been a lot of work but it’s been exciting.”

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