Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County report one person arrested on a drug-related charge, Sunday night. 23-year old Jesse Allen Luft, of Villisca, was taken into custody just before 8-p.m., on a charge of Distributing a controlled substance to a person under the age of 18. Luft was arrested in the 100 block of west 2nd Street in Villisca, and brought to the Montgomery County Jail, where he was being held on $25,000 bond.

The freeze-thaw cycle we’re in is making some monster potholes in Iowa’s streets. The road craters can ruin tires and rims, damage suspension and alignment and they can even knock the exhaust system off your vehicle. Ann Avery, a spokeswoman for State Farm Insurance in Iowa, says if there’s a lot of damage from a pothole, you may be able to file a claim. “The damage done to your car would generally be covered under the collision portion of your insurance,” Avery says. “These kinds of repairs from damage caused by a pothole can cost on average anywhere from $300 to $700. My best advice would be, if you have questions about the damage and whether it would be covered, consult your insurance professional and find out what your coverage is in this circumstance.”

Avery says you can’t prevent potholes but you can help protect your vehicle by driving carefully. “One suggestion would be taking roads that you know well because that familiarity can help you avoid the potholes,” she says. “Another thought would be when driving at night, travel on well-lit roads so you can see the surface and see them coming a little bit better.” If you spot a chuckhole, Avery says to brake before impact, as there’s less damage when the tire is rolling, rather than skidding over a hole during braking. She offers another tip:

“Slow down, give yourself a chance to see the pothole and that way you can avoid it before you’re in it,” she says. “If you do hit a pothole, carefully inspect your tires and your wheels for possible damage. Think about how your car is handling, if it’s pulling one way or the other, if the steering feels wobbly, you might want to have your car checked by a professional.” She reminds, always check with your agent first to see what is — and what is not — covered.

(Radio Iowa)

In an update to our report Sunday morning, Police in Council Bluffs have released more information about a three-vehicle, head-on crash Friday evening that happened when the driver of a mini-van blacked-out, causing the van to cross lanes and strike a vehicle that spun-out and hit another. The crash resulted in numerous injuries. According to the Police report, officers, along with the Council Bluffs Fire Department to the crash in the 1600 block of West Broadway at 10:16-p.m., Friday.

Officials say 77-year old Meredith Robinson, of Omaha, was driving a Chrysler Town and Country mini-van when he passed out at the wheel, as he was traveling eastbound on west Broadway. The vehicle crossed into the westbound lanes of traffic and struck a Hyundai Elantra, driven by 51-year old Cassondra McCaune, of Des Moines. Her car spun around and hit a westbound Honda CRV, driven by 59-year old Mary Horan-Cummings, of Council Bluffs.

Horan-Cummings, who was wearing her seat belt, was not injured. Cassondra McCaune suffered critical injuries in the crash. Three other people in the car, all from Des Moines, were injured, as well. 29-year old Heather McCaune and 16-year old Kala McCaune, both suffered minor injuries. 63-year old Robert McCaune, suffered critical injuries. All four were transported to Creighton CHI in Omaha for treatment. Cassondra and Robert McCaune were wearing their seatbelts.

Robinson suffered minor injuries also. His passenger, 84-year old Bertha Weinfurtner, of Carter Lake, was critically injured. Both were transported to Nebraska Medicine for treatment. Authorities say the pair was wearing their seatbelts.

Witnesses indicated that speed may be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.