Health officials say the flu  has officially arrived in Cass County.  According to Denise Coder, Cass County Home Care Site Manager, a case of Influenza-B was was recently confirmed in a Cass County resident. It’s a nasty, respiratory infection that can be confused with the common cold, but which features some distinct differences. The symptoms include a cough, sore throat, runny nose, which are typical of the common cold. The difference is those symptoms are accompanied by a fever, muscle or body aches, and fatigue.

Influenza B is spread by droplets which are breathed in after an infected person sneezes or coughs. It can also be picked up from touching something that an infected person has recently come into contact with. She said the germs can live on surfaces for a little while, but not for a period of days. The Iowa Department of Public Health is reporting widespread activity in all of the state’s regions, with Influenza A being the most common strain diagnosed.

Coder says there are several things area residents can do to protect themselves. First and foremost, is to get an annual influenza vaccination.  Local primary care providers have the vaccine available, and the Centers for Disease Control now recommend a flu shot for everyone ages 6 months and older. And, area residents are also encouraged to practice the three C’s, in an effort to stay healthy:  Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.

For more information about influenza prevention, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm or call Denise Coder, at (712) 243-7475.

Flu season has arrived in Iowa a bit early, but the influenza isn’t the only germ going around. Dr. Patty Quinlisk, the state’s chief medical officer, says plenty of other viruses and bacteria flourish in the cold, dry winter months. As health officials conduct tests to track influenza, Dr. Quinlisk says they often pick up other viruses. “The thing to remember about those viruses is while they can make you feel pretty sick, they’re not the viruses that can typically put you in the hospital or kill you like influenza does,” Quinslik says. “That’s why we’re so concerned about doing good surveillance for influenza and why we are really encouraging people to get the flu shot.”

She says studies suggest that for some reason, getting the flu shot may also help protect against other viruses by keeping people healthier. Quinlisk says cold, dry air can make the nose and throat more vulnerable to a range of viruses, not just influenza. “We also know that in the wintertime, we tend to be closer to other people physically because we shut the windows, because it’s cold outside and we’re around people more,” Quinlisk says. “We also have our family gatherings for the holidays and often when people travel and have large groups of people get together these viruses just spread more easily.” Besides getting a flu shot, Quinlisk says the steps to prevent illness are the same regardless of the type of bug. She recommends frequent hand-washing and staying home if you’re sick.

(Radio Iowa)

The Atlantic Police Department reports four arrests over the weekend.Last Friday, 25-year old Jeffrey Knight, of Atlantic, was arrested for Carrying a Weapon. He was booked into the Cass County Jail.

On Saturday, 18-year old Jesse Nymand, of Elk Horn, was arrested by Atlantic Police on four counts of Unlawful Possession of a Prescription Drug, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession with the Intent to Deliver, and Prohibited Acts. Nymand was booked into the Cass County Jail.

On Sunday, 24-year old Joseph Fredericksen, of Atlantic, was arrested on Disorderly Conduct, Public Intoxication and Interference with Officials Acts charges. That same day, 53-year old Diane Wilson, of Atlantic, was arrested on a charge of Domestic Abuse Assault. Both were booked into the Cass County Jail.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – Sioux City education officials say that rising demand for construction in the northwestern Iowa city could lead to higher construction costs for public schools.  Board member Doug Batcheller told the Sioux City Journal that the district had been the main source of large construction projects throughout the recent recession, which helped keep bids low. But Batcheller says bids are expected to increase with a casino project, fertilizer plant, new Bishop-Heelan high school and construction at Morningside College all competing for contractors.

Batcheller says the district has averaged less than $110 per square foot to build new schools during the recession. He predicts that will increase to $130 per square foot.  Superintendent Paul Gausman says he is already seeing increased construction costs of about $113 per square foot.

The Fremont County Sheriff’s Office today (Monday) released a cumulative report on arrests and incidents which occurred over the past couple of weeks. The most recent arrests included: 45-year old Donald Linn Welch, of Hamburg, for Criminal Mischief in the 2nd degree, Simple Domestic Assault and Disorderly Conduct; 26-year old Matthew David Yost, of Hamburg, was arrested for Simple Domestic Assault; and, 54-year old John Wesley Kalkas, of Shenandoah, who was arrested for Driving Under Suspension.

In all, 11 people were arrested on various charges in Fremont County, between Dec. 1st and Dec. 15th.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office says a Corning man was arrested Sunday afternoon, on drug charges. 63-year old Gary Seaman was allegedly found to be in possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia when authorities searched an apartment in Corning, at around 3:30-p.m. Sunday. Seaman was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Officials say he was cited for the offenses and released.

Iowans are running out of time to ship presents so they’ll arrive at their destination in time for Christmas. Cordell Golden, with FedEx, says today (Monday) is the deadline for shipping via FedEx Ground, the most economical way of shipping through the global delivery service company. “For late shoppers, Saturday (December 22) is the last day to ship FedEx Express,” Golden says. “In both cases, we’ll get your packages to their destinations prior to Christmas.”

Customers can visit a FedEx office and pay for help with packing their presents. Golden says those who choose to save a few bucks and do it themselves should make sure to securely wrap the item or items in the box to prevent any damage during shipment. “We ask that you use bubble wrap or densely packed shredded paper, avoid newspaper as it’s heavy and adds extra weight to the shipment,” Golden says.

The box should also be sealed with packing tape. Today is expected to be the U.S. Postal Service’s busiest mail sorting day of the year, but FedEx’s busiest day was one week ago. On December 10, FedEx moved more than 19-million shipments, according to Golden. It marked the busiest day in the company’s history — topping December 12, 2011 when FedEx moved 17.2-million shipments. FedEx is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.

(Radio Iowa)