Ottumwa Courier Week 7

A Brighter Outlook 

    The outlook is looking a little brighter everyday for the animals rescued from a Drakesville home Friday. Over 300 living animals were taken from the property after a warrant was issued to search the home and a severe animal hoarding situation was uncovered. 

    The Animal Rescue League of Iowa and the Heartland Humane Society responded with authorities to the home to aid in the safe removal of the animals from the property. The ARL of Iowa brought around 300 animals, mostly livestock and exotics, to their shelter in Des Moines. 

    “We already have well over 100 animals out to foster homes,” William Wallace an ARL employee said. “We also have around 200 here at the shelter that are being given care and will be out to foster homes or adopted soon.”

    When the animals arrived at the shelter they were in various stages of health, with some needing more immediate care then others. The animals remaining at the shelter are receiving proper vaccinations and medical treatment and will be out to homes as soon as possible. 

    The animals not taken to the ARL were taken to the Heartland Humane Society. The live stock taken there has already been adopted out. An adult dog, adult cat and a kitten were also taken there. These animals have another week of observation and medical care and then will be available for adoption to a good home as well. 

Sydney Schermer, an Animal Rescue League of Iowa employee, comforts a young goat Tuesday at the ARL shelter in Des Moines. Shermer said many of the goat kids have made a great recover. “This little guy just needs some extra attention so he can get back to the health level of the other goats.”

Lacey Smith plays with a kitten Wednesday at the Heartland Humane Society. Smith said the cats and dog they have from the situation have great dispositions. The kitten along with an adult cat and dog will be available for adoption in about a week. 

Features/Sports

Sophomore guard Lester Medford shoots the ball Saturday during the IHCC mens basketball game. Indian Hills beat Southeastern 93-89 to win the Region 11 Championship Game. 

Somphomroe wing Roosevelt Scott,center, celebrates with teammates after a close IHCC mens basketball win Saturday night. 

An Indian Hills cheerleader looks on in anticipation in the closing seconds of a close game Saturday during the IHCC mens basketball game. 

Sophomore wing Marcus Posley shoots the ball Saturday during the IHCC mens basketball game. 

Autionaa Collins, center, plays jump rope with classmates Monday at Agassiz Elementary. The first-grade students enjoyed free time outside, but with the highs only reaching into the teens by the end of the week, recess will most likely be moved inside.

Evans chorus students perform Thursday during the local AARP meeting at the Country Kitchen restaurant. The students meet every other day to practice in small groups, so performances like this are a great opportunity for them to all sing together. 

Megan Ripperger, left, and Robert Townsend practice a medical procedure on a high tech electronic infant during class at IHCC. Ripperger and Townsend are both clinic 6 nursing students. 

Sophomore player Will Mertens shoots the ball Thursday during the Van Buren verse Pekin boys basketball game.

Ottumwa Courier Press