Health officials say this year’s flu vaccine isn’t fully protecting against the season’s most prevalent flu viruses. Doctor Patty Quinlisk, medical director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, says the vaccine was created for the expected three strains of flu virus, but one strain is showing signs of drifting into different characteristics.

“We have three strains of flu going around in Iowa,” Quinlisk says. “Against two of the strains, the vaccine is a good match, and against half of that third strain, the vaccine is a good match. It’s just against about half of that third strain, we don’t think the vaccine is going to be as effective as we would have hoped.” Quinlisk says high risk groups, including very young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with lowered immunities, should immediately consult a physician at first signs of flu.

“Because they can put you on anti-viral medications and the sooner you start those medications, the better you’re going to be,” she says. The best defense, Quinlisk adds, is getting vaccinated. The flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. She says influenza and pneumonia are among the top ten causes of death in Iowa every year.

(Radio Iowa)

A man from Union County was arrested Wednesday on a warrant out of Taylor County. Creston Police say 35-year old Thomas Johnston, of Creston, was arrested on a warrant for Theft in the 4th degree. Johnston was later released after posting a $1,000 bond.

Cass County Attorney Dan Feistner issued a statement to KJAN News clarifying the amount he is being paid as a special prosecutor for the City of Atlantic, in cases dealing with criminal matters.

Earlier, we said that during Wednesday night’s City Council meeting, City Attorney Dave Wiederstein mentioned with regard to the hiring of a City Attorney, if the General/Civil and Criminal retainers are included together in the contract, he recommended continuing the $15,000 annual salary currently paid to the County Attorney, for Criminal Prosecutions, above and beyond what is proposed in the General Retainer. Currently, the Cass County Attorney handles Criminal Prosecution cases for the City, while serving as a paid, Assistant City Attorney.

To clarify, Wiederstein said he is being paid $15,000 as City Attorney, and he recommended the new City Attorney, whomever that may be, be paid the same amount, and that they handle criminal matters as well.

Dan Feistner said he has been paid the same amount ($300.00/month or $3,600.00/yr) ever since the City of Atlantic appointed him as the special prosecutor for their criminal matters. Feistner said he bills the City of Atlantic twice per year, once in June and once in December, for his attorney fees and for office expenses.

An investigation into an earlier incident resulted in the arrest of a man on drug charges this (Friday) morning. Red Oak Police say 29-year old Aaron Lucas Allen, of Red Oak, was arrested in the 400 block of Highland Avenue at around 1-a.m., on charges that include Possession of Meth with the intent to deliver, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Allen was booked into the Montgomery County Jail and held on $100,000 cash bond.

A free Holiday Concert will take place in Atlantic this Sunday evening (Dec. 7th). The concert is being presented by Bonnesen’s Five and Ten Store, and will be held at First United Methodist Church, starting at 3:00 p.m. New to the Holiday Concert this year is an interactive format, including all types of music, solos, duets, instrumentals and an encore choir.

The local lineup of talent includes: Paige Anstey, Atlantic High School, national fine arts finalist 2 years in a row; Kevin Ferguson, reading “Twas the Night before Christmas,”; Haley Glenn, Atlantic High School, 2014 State Honor Choir, national fine arts finalist 2 years in a row; BJ and Krysta Hart, soloists and duets; Lee and Kelly Havemeier, Atlantic Youth Pastor’s and Music Ministers; Caleb Kelly, high school accomplished musician, national competition for public speaking, violin soloist and singer; Sheryl Sunderman and Carolyn Delay, directing youth bell choir.

The Angel of Christmas award, sponsored by the Cass County Health System, will be presented by Todd Hudspeth, Chief Executive Officer, during the concert. The Angels of Christmas is a tradition in Atlantic recognizing and thanking area residents who symbolize the true meaning of the season. Angels exemplify the true holiday spirit all year long—putting others first, spreading generosity and sharing the holiday spirit with everyone they meet.

For more information, call the Atlantic Area Chamber at 712-243-3017.