Waukon, IOWA — A 9 year old boy that went missing this morning in Waukon has been found safe and unharmed. Lance Kirk Palmer was last seen this morning around 7:15 on a gravel road, not far from his residence.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa State Patrol and Allamakee Sheriff’s Office worked together to locate Lance.

Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today (Monday) announced a virus that has caused outbreaks in Illinois, Ohio, Kansas and other states is also causing illness in Iowa. Enterovirus EV-D68, like other enteroviruses, appears to spread through close contact with infected people. Enteroviruses, including EV-D68, are not a reportable disease in Iowa or the U.S.; therefore, the number of cases of the virus is not tracked.

EV-D68 often begins like a cold and symptoms include coughing and wheezing; most people will recover at home without complications however, some people with severe respiratory illness caused by EV-D68 may need to be hospitalized and receive intensive supportive therapy. Infants, children, and teenagers, especially those with a history of asthma or those who have a condition that compromises their immune system, are most likely to become severely ill. Parents of children with cold-like symptoms that experience difficulty breathing should contact their health care provider.

There are currently no medications available for treatment for EV-D68 infections and there is no vaccine available for the virus. Most infections resolve on their own and require only treatment at home:

Drink plenty of fluids.
Rest.
Stay home so you do not spread the virus to others.
Clean frequently touched surfaces to stop the spread the spread of the virus at home.

To help reduce the risk of getting infected with EV-D68:

Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

Enteroviruses are very common viruses; there are more than 100 types. It is estimated that 10 to 15 million enterovirus infections occur in the United States each year, usually in the summer and fall.

Authorities in Guthrie County report a gas powered leaf blower was found Aug. 25th at around 2-a.m.  The machine was discovered near a bridge south of Panora on Wagon Road. No other details were provided.

Anyone missing the device is asked to call the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office at 641-747-2214.

(Update 12:15-p.m. – The child has been found safe!)

Waukon, IOWA – The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa State Patrol and the Allamakee Sheriff’s Office are currently searching for a 9 year old boy. Lance Kirk Palmer was last seen walking a gravel road towards school. Lance was last seen by a neighbor walking on a gravel road near his residence (1833 Moose Road, Waukon, Iowa) at 7:15 AM.

9-year old Lance Palmer

Lance is described as 4 feet tall with blond hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans and carrying a sweatshirt and book bag. Anyone with information about Lance’s whereabouts is asked to call their local law enforcement.

Media contact: Iowa DCI Special Agent in Charge Mike Krapfl at (563) 599-4239.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Board of Regents said Monday it will ask lawmakers for an additional $13 million to help the state’s three public universities transition to a new funding model based on in-state enrollment. A board budget plan shows the money would be split between the University of Northern Iowa and Iowa State University. Regents will consider the plan Wednesday during a meeting in Ames. Board spokeswoman Sheila Koppin said the new money would prevent $13 million from being shifted away from the University of Iowa next year.

The school has a lower percentage of students from Iowa than the other two universities, and it was expected to lose up to $39 million over the next three years under the plan. University of Iowa spokesman Joe Brennan said Monday’s funding request was good news and should reassure faculty who are anxious about possible cuts. But he cautioned that it was only the beginning of the process.

Under the funding model adopted in June, 60 percent of money for the schools will be allocated based on in-state enrollment. The other 40 percent would be based on measures such as the number of graduates and diversity of the student body. Regents said the new model aligns state tax dollars with Iowa students, and holds the universities accountable for their performance.

Sheriff’s officials in Audubon County report an Exira man was arrested Friday evening in connection with an incident that happened in the 300 block of S. Carthage Street, in Exira. 71-year old Charles Emmert Paulsen, of Exira, was charged with Harassment in the 3rd Degree. He was brought to the Audubon County Sheriff’s Office and later released. Paulsen is scheduled to appear before the magistrtate on Sept. 11th.

And a man from Kansas turned himself-in to the Audubon County Sheriff’s Office early Saturday afternoon. 19-year old Dylan Leeroy Millard, of Topeka, KS, was wanted on a warrant for Burglary in the 3rd degree and Theft in the 3rd degree. The charges stem from an investigation into an incident that occurred August 9th in the 1600 block of Littlefield Drive.

Millard was being held in the Audubon County Jail on $5,000 bond. The incident remains under investigation.