Buchanan, IA

7:00 PM Thursday, February 4, 2021
Zoom Meeting (link emailed after registering)
Do you know what radon is?  Did you know that radon is the number one cause of lung cancer for non-smokers and that 71.6% of homes tested in Iowa have high levels of radon?  The good news is that you can easily test your home’s radon levels and mitigation can be simple and relatively inexpensive.

Please join Buchanan County ISU Extension, Buchanan County Environmental Health, and Midwest Systems for this free webinar open to the public.  This webinar will help you to understand what radon is, how it enters your home, the risk it poses to your health, how to test for it, and mitigation strategies to reduce high levels.  You can submit your questions prior to the webinar when registering or during the presentation.

All Buchanan County residents will receive a coupon for a free short-term radon test kit (one per family).  Additional radon test kits may be purchased at the Buchanan County Environmental Health office.

As we get closer to receiving a COVID-19 Vaccine in our county, the Buchanan County Health Department reminds all residents the initial doses of vaccine will be limited and will be available to priority populations prioritized according to guidance received from our state and federal partners.

“The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) has preemptively suggested the initial doses of vaccine go to health care providers and those in long term care facilities,” said Tai Burkhart, Director of Buchanan County Health Department. “As more vaccine becomes available, we will be able to offer the vaccine to more people.”

To read the whole press release: Buchanan County Continues to Plan for COVID-19 Vaccine Coming Later This Year

Buchanan County Coronavirus Vaccine Webpage

On February 5, 2019 the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host an Open House to present preliminary floodplain maps to Buchanan County citizens.  The meeting will be held at the Buchanan County Public Health Department Meeting Room, 1413 1st Street West, Independence, IA on Tuesday, February 5th, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m..  This meeting is open to the public.  You may also view the complete press release with this link.

Buchanan County is no longer accepting sealed bid proposals for the sale of a 1991 Ford F800 with 40 ft. pelican bucket lift with hydraulics, to be sold as is with 183,810 miles.  Item has been sold.

Veterans Affairs Commission has one position open for a war time Veteran.  Buchanan County will be accepting applications through January 31, 2019.  Position has been filled by the Board of Supervisors on February 11, 2019.  This position has been filled.

 (DES MOINES) – Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation Wednesday for Buchanan County in response to severe storms that took place beginning Sept. 2, 2018. 

 The governor's proclamations allow state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of this severe weather and activates the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program for qualifying residents, along with the Disaster Case Management Program.

A community event about the opioid epidemic - Tuesday October 16th, 5:30 to 9:00 PM. 

Location:  Waterloo Center for the Arts - Petersen Hall

Influenza spread and severity is building in Iowa, as the Iowa Department of Public Health reported four new influenza-related deaths today: an elderly (81+ years of age) female and older adult (61 to 80 years of age) female in Southeast Iowa; an elderly female in Northeast Iowa; and an elderly male in Northwest Iowa. Since October 2017, a total of six influenza-related deaths have been reported. Get vaccinated!  Buchanan County Public Health has flu vaccine available - please call 319-332-0860. 

For more information from IDPH, visit http://bit.ly/2F0f3TY. 

CO is a gas that can't be seen or smelled and is made when fuels like gas, kerosene, propane or wood are burned. It's the most common cause of deadly poisonings.

New legislation legalizes fireworks; however Buchanan County requires a permit for all firework displays.  In 2013 Buchanan County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance restricting the use of fireworks. The ordinance allows firework displays in Buchanan County only if a permit is approved by the Board of Supervisors. Part of the permit process requires that a certified or licensed pyrotechnician conducts the display.  The new legislation in Iowa legalizes the sale of fireworks and firework displays during certain times of the year. Under the new law the sale and display of fireworks is only allowed during June 1-July 8 and December 10-January 3.  Buchanan County will allow the use of 1.4 Consumer fireworks between these dates with a permit.  Permit applications, firework resolution and ordinance are available at the Buchanan County Auditor’s Office or you can click here.  If you live within city limits contact your local city government regarding permit requirements.

Posted 09/14/2016
The Buchanan County Sheriff's Department will be accepting applications for a full-time Dispatcher through October 21, 2016 until 4:00 p.m.

For more information please click here.

Information included:
Press Releases 
Independence Flood History.
Flood Cleanup Resources

Influenza (flu) is a contagious disease which affects the lungs and can lead to serious illness, including pneumonia. Even healthy people can get sick enough to miss work or school for a significant amount of time or even be hospitalized. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. Pregnant women, young children, older people, and people with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease are at increased risk of serious flu-related complications, so getting a yearly flu vaccine is especially important for them.  Please see your Healthcare Provider for more information. 

Since July 5, 2016, two 2-year-olds and one 6-year-old have died from drowning. Adults losing track of the children for several minutes appears to be a major factor in these drownings. Drowning is the leading cause of death by unintentional injury in children between the ages of 1 and 5.

Parents and caregivers need to provide direct supervision to all young children and non-swimmers, even when lifeguards are provided.

Infographic:  The Facts about Kids and the Danger of Drowning

What to know before you go. Bugs can spread diseases.

Travelers to tropical and other destinations should take steps to prevent bug bites.

Like the (Official) Independence Police Department’s Facebook Page for breaking news, press releases, traffic advisory's, helpful tips and much more!

Please contact Independence City Hall (319-334-2780) or Mark L. (319-334-3750) for more information. 

FAQ about Boil Water Advisory from IDPH & IDNR. 

Posted:  08/05/2015
A Boil Water Advisory is in effect for the residents of Independence,  west of the Wapsipinicon River until further notice, per the City of Independence. 

Please contact Independence City Hall (319-334-2780) or Mark L. (319-334-3750) for more information. 

FAQ about Boil Water Advisory from IDPH & IDNR. 

The Buchanan County Sheriff's Office K9 Fundraiser golf tournament is scheduled for 9:00 a.m., Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Three Elms Golf Course located at 2074 Three Elms Park Rd, Independence. The format is four person best shot and entry fee is $40 per person, which includes green fees and lunch (cart is separate). This tournament is open to the public and registration forms are available at the Sheriff's Office or online at http://www.buchanancountyiowa.org/sheriff. Registration deadline is Saturday, September 12, 2015. Join us for a good time and a good cause!

Date Posted:  6/9/2015

The Buchanan County Public Health Department recently completed a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) process, with subsequent Health Improvement Plan (HIP). The CHNA-HIP was approved by the Buchanan County Board of Health in April and will be submitted to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) in July. The Buchanan County CHNA-HIP is a “road map” for the Public Health Department service priorities to increase the health of Buchanan County residents.  (click on article to read more)

Date Posted:  6/5/2015



Click on the link above for more information on preventing Melanoma.

Date Posted:  5/29/2015

June 1- 7, 2015 is National CPR Week. 

With funding from the Anthem Foundation, the American Heart Association is debuting a new Hands-Only™CPR music-based training video, designed to showcase the simplicity and lifesaving benefits of Hands-Only CPR. The video features the unique sounds of the wildly-talented acapella group, Street Corner Symphony, and is available at www.heart.org/handsonlycpr.

Date Posted:  5/15/2015

The American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) warned April 23 that a group of dangerous new synthetic cannabinoids have led to a dramatic spike in poison center exposure calls in the U.S. 
Click link to read more.

Date Posted: 5/15/2015

Concerned residents both within and outside the areas affected by avian influenza are encouraged to use the Iowa Concern Hotline at 1-800-477-1985 if they have questions or need disaster counseling.  The Iowa Concern Hotline is available 24 hours a day.  All calls are free and confidential, and the operators are willing to assist wherever possible.  For more information - click here. 

Date Posted:  5/12/2015

Buchanan County Auditor and Commissioner of Elections Cindy Gosse has announced that absentee ballots for the City of Jesup Special Election on June 2, 2015, will be available to be voted on Thursday, May 14, 2015.

• Dog flu is a disease of dogs. No human infections with canine influenza have ever been reported.

• There are two different influenza A dog flu viruses: an H3N8 virus and an H3N2 virus.
• Canine influenza H3N8 virus has been known to exist for more than 40 years.
• H3N8 originated in horses.
• H3N8 first recognized in dogs in 2004.
  
  

Date Posted: 4/29/2015

A high pathogenic strain of avian influenza (H5N2) has been identified in commercial poultry flocks in Iowa and other Midwestern states, and is being spread by waterfowl, gulls, and shorebirds as they migrate. Click here for more information. 

Date Posted:  4/23/2015

Buchanan County Courthouse will be having a garage sale on Saturday, April 25, 2015 8:00 AM to NOON.  Items for sale include but not limited to:  office furniture,  large wooden tables, a variety of office chairs and miscellaneous items. 

Location:  Buchanan County Courthouse Parking Lot 210 5th AVE NE, Independence, Iowa  50644

Date Posted:  4/13/2015

The burn ban for Buchanan County, Iowa will be lifted, effective April 13, 2015 at 11:00 AM.

Date Posted:  4/6/2015

**Open Burning Ban Lifted at 11:00 AM on 4/13/2015**

    On April 6, 2015, the Office of the State Fire Marshal received a request from Rick Wulfekuhle that the State Fire Marshal prohibit open burning in Buchanan County.  Upon investigation the Fire Marshal finds that conditions in Buchanan County are such that open burning constitutes a danger to life or property.
     It is therefore ordered that no person shall engage in open burning in Buchanan County, effective April 6, 2015 at 11:30 a.m.  For more information, please click here.

Date Posted: 4/6/2015

National Public Health Week is April 6-12th, 2015.   For more information, please go to the Public Health Department's Press Release page. 

Date Posted:  4/2/2015

Buchanan County will be accepting applications for a Sumner Township Clerk through May 31, 2015. 

Date Posted:  3/11/2015

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month!

Iowans are working to get 80% screened for colorectal cancer by 2018. 

Date:  3/6/2015

Are you protected?

Click the title to read more.

Date Posted: 3/5/2015

Daylight saving times begins Sunday, March 8, 2015.  Is your emergency preparedness stockpile up to date?

For more information on how to prepare for an emergency, go to our Emergency Management Page.

Date:  2/5/2015

The United States is currently experiencing a large, multi-state outbreak of measles linked to an amusement park in California. More than 100 people from 14 states in the U.S. (AZ, CA, CO, IL, MI, MN, NE, NY, OR, PA, SD, TX, UT, WA) have been confirmed as having measles. As of 2/5/2015 there are no confirmed measles cases in Iowa. 

“This national measles outbreak has brought the protection provided by vaccinations back into the spotlight,” said Buchanan County Public Health Director Amy Marlow.  “It’s always important to keep your vaccinations up-to-date, but during times like this, when we know a virus is circulating in many states, it’s especially critical to check with your health care provider to be sure you and your family’s vaccinations are current.” The best way to prevent measles is to get the measles-mumps-rubella shot (called MMR). Two doses of MMR will provide more than 99 percent of people lifelong protection against measles.

Every year in the United States, hundreds of people are killed and thousands injured because of the weather. Dangerous weather can take many forms, ranging from violent tornadoes to crippling winter storms. With the notable exception of hurricanes, Iowa can experience any of these dangerous phenomena.

While there is nothing we can do to stop dangerous weather from affecting us, there are things we can do to stay safe when the weather turns nasty. Weather safety and survival - no matter what the hazard - depends on the following key items:

          1. KNOW THE HAZARDS - Be aware of the hazards that you might face during a weather event.

          2. KNOW WHEN TO EXPECT DANGEROUS WEATHER - Monitor forecasts and information from your local National Weather Service Forecast Office.

          3. PAY ATTENTION - Be aware of all watches, warnings, and advisories affecting you.

          4. HAVE A PLAN TO STAY SAFE - Think about it before it happens and be ready to act to survive.

20 Weeks to Preparedness - Do you have a kit in the event of an emergency?  Why not start today - one week at a time.   Download the printable booklet here. 

Date Posted:  1/28/2015

The Director of Buchanan County Public Health encourages the residents of Buchanan County to (1) get a flu shot if they have not already done so, (2) stay home until fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications, and (3) Practice the 3 C’s.

Cover Your Cough.  Use a tissue or your elbow.
Clean Your Hands.  Use soap and water or hand sanitizer.
Contain Germs.  Stay home when sick. 

You can contact your family health care provider for a flu shot or our webpage lists where flu shots are still available in our community. 

Influenza - get the 'Facts'. 

Date Posted: 1/26/2015
Radon Gas Test kits can be purchased from the Buchanan County Environmental & Health Department.

For more information on Radon Gas, please visit the EPA's website:
www.epa.gov/radon

Or you can call this number:  1-800-767-7236

Date Posted:  12/30/2014

Surveillance by the Iowa Department of Public Health and Buchanan County Public Health, and testing by the State Hygienic Laboratory indicate flu activity is increasing. The flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May. “If you have flu symptoms, help out your family, friends and co-workers by staying home to avoid spreading the virus,” said Buchanan  County Public Health Director Amy Marlow “It’s also important to remember to cover your coughs and sneezes and clean your hands frequently to help yourself and others say healthy.”

The January 23rd Meeting of the Buchanan County Board of Health has been cancelled due to the weather.  Next meeting will be February 27th, at 12:30 PM.  Any Questions, please call:  319-332-0860

The Buchanan County Board of Health has cancelled their January Meeting.  Next meeting will be February 27th, 2019 at 12:30

Location:  Buchanan County Public Health Meeting Room, 1413 First Street West, Independence, Iowa  50644