OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Omaha police, city officials and even residents know that many Nebraskans think the state’s largest city is violent.  Much of that reputation is driven by Omaha’s relatively high number of homicides – 40 in 2012. Of those, more than half occurred in northeast Omaha, where poverty, unemployment and substandard housing is rampant.

Willie Barney, president of north Omaha’s revitalization organization, the Empowerment Network, says it’s those factors that fuel the area’s gangs and gun violence. University of Nebraska at Omaha criminal justice professor John Crank says decades of disinvestment by businesses in the area have also contributed to north Omaha’s violent crime and high murder rate.

Police and community groups are using everything from weekly progress meetings to summer jobs programs to reduce violent crime.

A chase on Interstate 80 involving the Iowa State Patrol and other area law enforcement agencies early Sunday morning, ended about two and one-half miles north of Shelby near the intersection of 450th Street and County Road M-16. According to scanner traffic, the pursuit of a Toyota extended cab pickup registered to a subject out of Avoca, began at around 3:45-a.m. on I-80 in northwestern Pottawattamie County. During the chase, several items were allegedly tossed out of the vehicle over the course of nearly two-miles, beginning at the 39.2-mile marker. The items were said to have included: A baggie; “A White powdery substance;” cash; and an additional  “White powdery substance,” which apparently blew back on, or hit the truck.

The chase wound its way from Pottawattamie County into Shelby County, and included the suspect vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-80 briefly, before crossing back onto I-80 westbound, and an off-road foray into a field, where the vehicle reportedly crashed through a barbed wire fence. Efforts by law enforcement to stop the pickup included the use of “Stop Sticks,” and at least a couple of  Precision Immobilization Technique, or “PIT” maneuvers. The vehicle ended up in a ditch, and at least one-person was taken into custody.

No injuries were reported. No other details are currently available.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

Officials with the Cass County Memorial Hospital (CCMH) in Atlantic, say the staff at the Cass County Health System (CCHS) will be hosting an Obstetrics Open House on Tuesday, January 29^th, from 5:30 – 7:00 pm.  The event will showcase the Obstetrics (OB) Department at  CCMH and obstetric care provided throughout CCHS.

The new CCMH Obstetrics Department features four labor, delivery, recovery and
postpartum (LDRP) suites, each with an in-room private bath with shower.

Diann McLaren, RN, Director of Inpatient Services says their new inpatient area includes four labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum suites, each with a private bath.

The open house will include tours of the OB department, refreshments and door prizes.  Staff will be on hand to discuss different services including surgical cares and anesthesia, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, prenatal classes, post-birth support and more.  Expectant moms, fathers-to-be, support people, and anyone interested in learning more about the services provided at CCHS are invited and encouraged to attend.  Several of the five physicians who regularly provide prenatal and delivery care at CCHS will be available during the event.

For more information about the OB Open House, call 712-243-7516.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner and awards program Saturday night, at the Cass County Community Center. There were many awards presented, but one award with national recognition, was presented for the 12th year in a row. Atlantic is the only community in Iowa that sponsors the ATHENA award thanks to a more than decade long partnership with Deter Motor Company, in Atlantic. The 2012 ATHENA Award went to Dolly Bergman. The award was presented by last year’s winner, Wendy Richter, with the Family Crisis Support Network, in Atlantic.

Past recipients have included include LaVon Eblen, Judy Marnin, Leanne Pellett, Denise O’Brien, Margaret Slepsky, Glenda Farrier, Carole Schuler, Jan Kinnison, Janell Hansen, Ann Pross and Wendy Richter.

Numerous other awards were handed-out to deserving groups and individuals as well, during the Chamber’s Annual Banquet and awards program. The Distinguished Service Award was presented by Eleanor Hoover, to long-time Atlantic area residents and historians, Philip and Trina Chinitz.

The Chamber’s Community Betterment Award went to the Nishna Valley Family YMCA….The Community Service Award went to Eagle Scout Casey Ihnen….The Outstanding Committee Member Award was presented to Jim Sampson…The Outstanding Chamber Volunteer Award went to Deb and Brian Church and their family, the Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Sue Muri, with Star Ambassadors Sue Muri, Tammy Waters, Karl Aldag, Dolly Bergman and Dr. Keith Leonard also receiving Special Recognition.

The gavel of leadership was presented to Chamber President Elect Chip Hansen, who’s with 1^st Whitney Bank and Trust. Amy Jordahl, with the Atlantic Hy-Vee, was named Vice President for 2013. Departing Chamber President Debbie Leistad received an award of recognition during the ceremonies, Saturday.