The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says a cow was killed, but no one was injured, when a pickup collided with the animal Thursday evening, in Stanton. Sheriff Joe Sampson says Jason Poston, of Villisca, was traveling south on Q Avenue just before 5-p.m., when he topped a hill south of 230th Street, and came upon cattle on the road.

Poston, who is the President of the Villisca School Board, was unable to avoid the animals, because there was a railroad overpass in the victinity. The 2009 Chevy Silverado pickup he was driving hit one of the cows, which rolled to the bottom of a bank next to the railroad tracks.

The owner of the cows, Kit Johnson, of Stanton, was contacted by the Montgomery County Communications Center and notified about the accident. Johnson told authorities he knew the cattle were out, and had been attempting to corral them. Officials with the Burlington Northern Railroad were also notified. Poston’s pickup sustained $9,000 damage. The black cow his pickup struck, was valued at $1,000.

After weeks of low influenza levels in Iowa, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports statewide surveillance indicates flu activity is increasing. The flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May.  IDPH Deputy Epidemiologist, Dr. Ann Garvey says “If you have flu symptoms, help out your family, friends and co-workers by staying home to avoid spreading the virus. It’s also important to remember to cover your coughs and sneezes and clean your hands frequently to help yourself and others stay healthy.” IDPH recommends all Iowans age 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated now will offer protection throughout the flu season, and will also help keep those traveling over Spring Break healthy as they visit areas where flu levels may be higher.

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses and is among the top 10 causes of death in Iowa. It spreads easily from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. 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 complications in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions.

Contact your health care provider or local health department to find out where the vaccine is available in your community. More information about influenza can be found at www.idph.state.ia.us/Cade/Influenza.aspx.

More details have been released concerning a bridge replacement project in Cass County KJAN reported on, last week. Officials with the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) say a public information meeting will be held Tuesday, Feb. 21st, to discuss the proposed bridge replacement on Iowa 92, west of Massena. The bridge is located over a small stream one-mile west of Iowa Highway 148. The public is invited to attend the meeting anytime between 5- and 6:30-p.m., at the Massena City Hall, located at 100 Main Street. The meeting will be conducted in an open forum format. Iowa DOT staff will be present to informally discuss the proposed improvement, but no formal presentation will be made.  

During construction, traffic on Iowa Highway 92 would be detoured, using Cass County roads N-28 and G-43, and Iowa 148. For general information regarding the proposed improvements or public meeting, contact Don Stevens, assistant district engineer, Iowa DOT District 4 Office, 2210 E. Seventh St., Atlantic, Iowa  50022, telephone 712-243-3355 or 800-289-4368, e-mail donald.stevens@dot.iowa.gov. 

Visit the Iowa DOT’s project-related public involvement event website at www.iowadot.gov/pim for information about scheduled public meetings and hearings, and opportunities to offer input to the Iowa DOT during the development of certain projects.