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.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) urges all Iowans over 6 months of age to receive their yearly seasonal influenza vaccine. Surveillance by IDPH influenza sentinel sites and confirmatory testing by the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) shows the flu is circulating in Iowa, and appears to be particularly spreading among children.

IDPH Medical Director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says “Children are known as ‘super spreaders’ because they are often in close contact with others at schools or daycare, and when ill, can quickly spread the illness to others.” Testing for viral strains by SHL shows three flu viruses – A(H3N2), A(H1N1) and B –
are already currently circulating in Iowa with A(H3N2) predominating. In years when A(H3N2) viruses dominate, the flu season tends to be more severe with more hospitalizations and deaths.

All three of these flu strains are covered by this year’s vaccine – A(H3N2), A(H1N1) and B, although some of the A(H3N2) viruses may only be partially covered in the vaccine. Iowans should be reminded that anti-viral medications are an important second line of defense to treat the flu. There are two anti-viral medications a doctor can prescribe which make flu illness milder, shorter, and reduce the risk of ending up in the hospital or dying from influenza. Antivirals work best if started within 48
hours or sooner of when flu symptoms begin.

While the flu vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza, it’s also important to take personal actions to help prevent the spread of illness. Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. The flu comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days. Influenza may cause severe illness or even death in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions. (The “stomach bug” which causes diarrhea and vomiting is not caused by the influenza virus but usually by norovirus; thus, the flu vaccine will not protect you against this illness.)

Influenza is not a ‘reportable disease’ in Iowa, which means doctors are not required to notify IDPH each time a patient tests positive for influenza; however, IDPH conducts year-round influenza surveillance through the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network. This surveillance indicates what types of influenza viruses are circulating and how widespread influenza illness is.