COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – A cold-storage warehouse that would create at least 50 new jobs has been proposed along Veterans Memorial Highway in Council Bluffs, just across the river from Omaha, Nebraska. The Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil reports that the company, XTL Inc., has an option to purchase and develop real estate at the location.

Mike Dellinger, executive director of Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation, says the project would involve a 155,000-square-foot, cold-storage facility on 51 acres offering warehousing and logistical support to major food processors in the region.

Its construction value is estimated at $27 million, and the automated facility would include $27 million in equipment, shelving and furnishings. About 50 jobs with an annual payroll of about $2.5 million would initially be needed to operate the facility.

Authorities say a group of teenage males are in custody after a police chase that started with an alert from Iowa authorities. The Daily NonPareil report that at around 1:15 p.m. Thursday, a caller notified the Iowa State Patrol and Iowa Department of Transportation motor vehicle  enforcement of an allegedly stolen Hummer H2, with the driver reportedly flashing a handgun.

Pottawattamie County Communication Center staff used transportation department cameras to locate the Hummer on westbound U.S. Highway 370, according to the Iowa State Patrol. The patrol notified authorities in Nebraska as the Hummer crossed the Bellevue toll bridge, though the agency did not actively pursue the suspects. According to the Bellevue Police Department:

How does sinking and floating work? What makes submarines able to go way down deep into the ocean? Youth who attend this hands-on daycamp will explore this and many other items releated to submersibles. The Submerse Into STEM Day camp will be December 30 at the Nishna Valley YMCA in Atlantic from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event is free with lunch, snacks and resources provided, but youth must register by December 22nd.

Participants are asked to please bring a swimming suit and towel. Registration forms are available at the YMCA, Cass County Extension Office or online at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/. The Nishna Valley YMCA and Cass County Extension staff and volunteers have teamed up for this day of hands-on learning to celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Beth Irlbeck, Cass County Extension Youth Coordinator, says “We are continuing to expand our STEM efforts because there is increased evidence of need and support from the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. 4-H has done STEM and positive youth development programming for years and we’re excited to continue our partnership with the Y who has also made its history supporting youth.”

The “Submerse Into STEM” event promises lots of fun, hands-on science, opportunities to design and build and meet new friends. Pre-registration is required by December 22. There is no charge for the December 30 event, just a day of fun, food, friends and hands-on STEM. Questions? Call Cass County Extension 712-243-1132.