Sheriff’s officials in Pottawattamie County say no serious injuries were reported following two, separate rollover accidents. The latest took place early this (Monday) morning, at 380th and PinOak Road, when 20-year old Dakota Smith, of Oakland, swerved to miss a deer as he was headed south on 380th, northwest of Oakland. The 1992 Ford Taurus he was driving went into a ditch and rolled several times before coming to rest. The accident happened just before 3-a.m.

The other accident, also a rollover, happened at around 1:30-a.m. Saturday, when 61-year old Craig Tripp, of Avoca, fell asleep at the wheel of his 1967 Corvette. The car veered off the road near as it was headed eastbound on 380th, near the intersection with Tamarack Avenue, or about two-miles south of Shelby.

Neither driver required transport to the hospital.

Police in Creston kept busy over the weekend. Four people were arrested on separate charges, including a 10-year-old from Creston who was taken into custody for Criminal Mischief and Assault causing injury. The juvenile was referred to Juvenile Authorities.

On Saturday, 48-year-old Patricia Jean Young, of Creston, was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense. She was later released on $1,000 bond. 32-year old Andy Alden Hansen, of Des Moines, was arrested Saturday for Interference with Official acts. He was later released on $300 bond. That same day, 19-year-old Steven Dennis Richardson, of Creston, was arrested on a charge of 5th degree theft. He was later released on his own recognizance.

And on Friday, 38-year-old Jamie Scott Vandel, of Creston, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault. He was later released on $300 bond.

DES MOINES, Iowa – Most people in Iowa know that smoke detector installation and testing is important, but according to a recent survey, most are likely mistaken about how much time is needed to safely evacuate a burning home. Research from the American Red Cross shows many people think they have five minutes, but it’s really only two.

Brandon Holstrom, preparedness and recovery manager for the Red Cross in Iowa, says that’s why it’s so important to have a plan. “And we’re looking for an escape plan that is actually practiced,” he stresses. “And most people don’t know that that escape plan needs to be an alternate route, such as windows, maybe the front door, maybe a side door that’s typically not used.”

According to the survey, nearly seven in 10 parents believe their children know what to do if their house catches on fire, but fewer than one in five families with children has actually practiced home fire drills.

Holstrom also explains that the escape plan should also include a place to meet and stay put, such as a nearby tree or the home of a neighbor. “Because that is also a concern that we have is that people re-enter the home after they’ve left it, maybe to get Fido, their favorite dog, or maybe it’s a memory of theirs, a wedding ring or something else,” he explains. “Once you’re out, stay out.”

It’s recommended that smoke detectors be installed in each bedroom and regularly tested. About 2,300 people died in house fires and 13,000 were injured in 2012, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

(Iowa News Service)

Three Pottawattamie County residents were arrested on drug charges this (Monday) morning, in Fremont County. The Sheriff’s Office reports deputies conducted an investigation into the delivery of illegal narcotics that resulted in the arrest of 33-year old Benjamin Franks, 57-year old Joyce Franks, and 51-year old Mark Pike, all of Council Bluffs. Each was charged with Delivery of Methamphetamine.

Benjamin Franks, who was also charged with Possession of Meth, was wanted on warrants out of Council Bluffs and Montgomery County. Mark Pike was also wanted on warrants out of Council Bluffs. Both were being held in the Fremont County Jail on $100,000 cash bond.

Joyce Franks was being held in the Montgomery County Jail, also on $100,000 bond.

The week of Oct. 24th through the 31st is known as “Red Ribbon” week. The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena in 1985. The incident began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE America.

Atlantic Middle School Builder Club (STAND – Students Taking Action Now for a Difference) in collaboration with their school, Kiwanis, Elks Club Drug Awareness Program and KJAN have planned a week of activities and education to students and their families. Fact or Fiction sheets will give middle schoolers information that they can use to answer questions about drug and alcohol use.

Red ribbons will be displayed on the school lawn today (Monday). Informational messages were recorded at KJAN by Builder Club members Codi Russell, Emma Joyce Joyce, Chamilla Colton, Abby Evans and Ethan Simmons. They will be heard throughout the week in Middle School and on KJAN.