One person is dead following a single-vehicle accident Wednesday night about three-miles east of Bayard, in Guthrie County. The Sheriff’s Department says the driver of a 1997 Chevy truck was found on the west shoulder of Nice Avenue, just north of Highway 141, shortly after authorities were notified at around 7:10-p.m. Bayard Ambulance and Fire and Guthrie County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the scene.

Officials say the man, who had been ejected from his vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. His name was being withheld pending notification of relatives. An investigation determined the vehicle was traveling north on Nice Avenue when it entered the east ditch and rolled, ejecting the driver. The accident remains under investigation.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – A sheriff says hunters discovered the bodies believed to be two missing cousins in a secluded wildlife area about 25 miles from where they vanished in July.  Bremer County Sheriff Dewey Hildebrandt said Thursday the bodies were found in Seven Bridges Wildlife Area, a county-maintained park along the Wapsipinicon River that is popular for hunting and fishing.

Hildebrandt says investigators from his office, the FBI, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and other agencies are processing the crime scene.   Authorities said hunters on Wednesday discovered bodies believed to be 9-year-old Elizabeth Collins and 11-year-old Lyric Cook. They vanished while riding their bikes in Evansdale on July 13.

The bodies have been sent to the state medical examiner’s office in Ankeny for identification, and authorities hope to release more information Thursday.

A social media posting from the mother of one of two missing northeast Iowa girls confirms the two bodies found are those of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins. Black Hawk County Sheriff’s deputies announced yesterday afternoon that hunters had discovered a pair of dead bodies in a wooded area, and authorities believed the discovery was related to the disappearance of the young cousins from Evansdale. Chief Deputy Rick Abben however, would not say that the bodies were those of Collins and Cook.

Late last night, Collins’ mother Heather posted on Facebook that the bodies found were those of her daughter and niece, who have been missing since July 13. Collins posted “We have been so blessed by…all the prayers and support tonight with the gut wrenching news that my beautiful daughter and niece’s bodies were found by hunters today.” Collins added that while the discovery was not the news they were hoping to receive, the “nightmare of where they are and what is happening to them has been answered.” That posting has since been deleted.

The two bodies discovered yesterday have been sent to the state medical examiner’s office for identification and autopsies. Authorities are expected to release more information at a news conference scheduled for four o’clock this afternoon.

(Radio Iowa)

As pleasant as the holiday season can be, it often becomes a time of high stress, unrealistic expectations and financial challenges. It’s the time of year when many people may spend more than they should. But the holidays don’t have to mean drained savings accounts and bills to pay in January, says Kim Brantner, family life program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

“We expect more of the season, and of ourselves, than can possibly be delivered. We are bombarded by television advertising and holiday displays for months,” Brantner says. “Try to avoid letting the material aspect of the holidays overshadow the spiritual and traditional aspects. Keep the holidays in perspective — especially a financial perspective.”

She says it isn’t the price tag, flashing lights or how big the box is that counts. Often the simple things in life mean the most. For example, an oatmeal container, some scrap flannel material and cotton balls can create a doll cradle, blanket and pillow and fond memories for a young child.

In the spirit of the season, Brantner offers a few gift ideas for the kids for not a lot of green:

• Visit thrift stores and resale shops. Find wild dresses, uniforms, hats and jewelry. Put these treasures in a decorated cardboard box for games of “dress up.”
• Draw a picture of a special activity to do with the kids a few days after the holidays, like roller skating or sledding. Wrap it up and put it under the tree. “Your children will look forward to spending time with you after the holiday rush is over,” says Brantner.
• What kids wouldn’t like to get a coupon saying Mom or Dad will clean their room on demand? Then the next time you nag them to clean their room, they can hand you the coupon.

“It is OK to simplify your life, especially around the holidays. Doing so may save you some stress and some money — and help to put things in perspective,” according to Brantner.

For more holiday tips and resources, call the Cass County Extension Office at 712-243-1132 or stop by the Extension Office at 805 W. 10^th St in Atlantic. You can also find information on parenting, holiday resources and more at www.extension.iastate.edu.

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Friday, December 7th, 2012, in honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.