AMES, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say minor flooding in Ames is expected to continue today (Friday), but end as Squaw Creek and the South Skunk River fall back below flood stage. The National Weather Service said early this (Friday) morning, that the creek was expected to crest more than 2 feet above flood stage and return below flood stage in the afternoon. The service says the river is expected to crest less than a foot above flood stage and also return below flood stage later in the day.

A flash flood warning had been issued Thursday for much of Story County and eastern Boone County after more than 4 inches had fallen, with more on the way. Flood warnings also were issued for Calhoun, Humboldt, Pocahontas and Webster counties. Street flooding was reported in Fort Dodge.

Sheriff’s Deputies in Montgomery County, Thursday evening, arrested 24-year old Joseph Wayne McKinley, of Villisca. McKinley was taken into custody for Possession of a Controlled Substance and brought to the Montgomery County Jail, where his bond was set at $1,000.

New York’s attorney general has filed a lawsuit accusing the Donald J. Trump Foundation of illegal conduct — and the lawsuit mentions “at least five” checks distributed to Iowa groups before the 2016 Caucuses.  On January 28th of 2016, Trump held a televised fundraiser for veterans charities at Drake University in Des Moines. It was Trump’s counter-programming to a Fox News debate for G-O-P presidential candidates that Trump skipped. The money Trump raised that night went into the Trump Foundation account. According to the lawsuit, Trump’s campaign staff then improperly directed the money to veterans organizations.

A news release from the New York Attorney General’s office features a photo of Trump making a one-hundred thousand-dollar ($100,000) donation to a veterans’ charity in Sioux City. Trump announced the donation the day before the Iowa Caucuses. A federal law prohibits tax-exempt charities from engaging in political activities. President Trump said on Twitter that the lawsuit is political motivated by “sleazy New York Democrats.”

(Radio Iowa)

336 AM CDT Fri Jun 15 2018

Very hot weather will begin by this afternoon and persist through Sunday. Daily high temperatures will range well into the 90s with heat index values in the 100 to 105 degree range each afternoon. In addition, overnight lows will only be in the 70s, especially south of Highway 30 where lows in the mid to upper 70s are forecast. This will lead to hazardous heat conditions through the weekend.

Heat Advisory in effect beginning this afternoon (Counties in orange)

Area Counties: Sac-Crawford-Carroll-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Adams-Ringgold-Taylor-Union-Madison…A HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM CDT SUNDAY.

* TEMPERATURE…Highs generally in the mid 90s with dewpoints around 70, leading to heat index values of 100 to 105 degrees each afternoon.

* IMPACTS…Lack of overnight relief from the heat will lead to additional stress. Gusty daytime winds will increase the risk of dehydration. The prolonged nature of this event will compound and amplify heat-related impacts.

Area Counties: Monona-Harrison-Shelby-Pottawattamie…A HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 7 PM CDT SATURDAY…

* TEMPERATURE…Heat indices of 102 to 105 for a few hours each day Friday and Saturday afternoon. Actual air temperatures will be in the upper 90s.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even for a minute.

Take extra precautions, if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when
possible and drink plenty of water. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 9 1 1.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:35 a.m. CDT

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The son and boss of an Iowa grandmother charged in a 1992 slaying say that they were stunned by her arrest and confident that she’s not the killer. Authorities arrested 55-year-old Annette Cahill two weeks ago, charging her with first-degree murder in the 1992 beating death of her friend Corey Wieneke. Cahill’s boss at the Police Law Institute says “this is not the person that I know.”

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt is being met deep in the heart of Trump country with protests by farmers and ethanol producers concerned that he is undermining the industry with his strong support of oil and gas. Their unhappiness is being broadcast on billboards, at rallies and in meetings the EPA chief is holding during a tour of heartland states. It comes as Pruitt battles a series of allegations of ethical misconduct back in Washington.

DUNKERTON, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say they have closed an investigation into the death of a child in northeast Iowa after an autopsy shows she died of natural causes. The Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday it has closed the investigation into the death Wednesday of a 6-year-old girl from Dunkerton. The sheriff’s office says an autopsy showed she died after an appendicitis.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Heavy rain has washed over much of Story and eastern Boone County, prompting flash flood warnings. The National Weather Service issued a warning Thursday morning after more than 4 inches of rain had fallen and 2 more inches had been forecast. The deluge caused street flooding across the Iowa State University campus and elsewhere in Ames, stranding some vehicles and their drivers. A flash flood warning also has been issued for Calhoun, Humboldt, Pocahontas and Webster counties.

The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission unanimously approved a development agreement today (Thursday) between the Hard Rock Casino and Sioux City for an 11 million-dollar parking ramp that will add up to 580 spaces and result in part of the casino being remodeled. Commission member Jeff Lamberti says the ramp helps the casino and city.

“We see it as being really good for both, to be able to provide that kind of parking — because it does matter you know when you get bad weather, I mean we have bad weather half of the year. Quality parking matters and certainly for the Tyson Center…it’s just a win-win for both,” Lamberti says. The commission met at the Hard Rock and they also approved a 20-thousand dollar penalty for Harvey’s of Council Bluffs after an underage girl got onto the gaming floor. The girl’s parents distracted the casino security guard while her grandparents quickly sneaked her in. Lamberti says this is something that’s been tried at other casinos too.

“This is becoming a little more common. You know I’ve been on the commission now almost seven years and when I was first on I don’t recall where we were seeing family members and other adults really trying to facilitate or assist someone in breaking the underage gaming rules,” according to Lamberti. Lamberti says they commission members want to see everyone involved face a penalty.

“We have spent some time talking about it. We strongly encourage local law enforcement to charge not only the minor — but the family members that assist,” Lamberti says. The girl’s family has been barred from entering the facility following the violation.

(Radio Iowa)

…Prolonged Oppressive Heat Conditions Expected This Weekend…

Forecast confidence is extremely high for oppressive heat conditions beginning Friday afternoon and lasting through Sunday afternoon. Widespread daytime heat index values of over 100 degrees are expected. Overnight minimum temperatures will only
lower to the low to mid 70s. Daytime winds with gusts above 20 mph are expected.

Sac-Crawford-Carroll-Greene-Audubon-Guthrie-Dallas-Cass-Adair-Madison Counties (300 PM CDT Thu Jun 14 2018)

Heat Advisory for counties in orange

…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM FRIDAY TO 7 PM CDT SUNDAY…

The National Weather Service in Des Moines has issued a Heat Advisory, which is in effect from 1 PM Friday to 7 PM CDT Sunday.

* TEMPERATURE…High temperatures will range from 95 to 99 degrees. With dewpoints in the low 70s, heat index values will range from 100 to 105 degrees throughout this time period.

* IMPACTS…Lack of overnight relief from the heat will lead to additional stress. Strong daytime winds will increase the risk of dehydration. The prolonged nature of this event will compound and amplify heat-related impacts.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned
room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Avoid drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as they dehydrate you.

Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even for a minute.

Take extra precautions, if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.

To reduce risk during outdoor work, the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, call 9 1 1.

ATLANTIC – Officials at Cass County Health System announced they have recently changed their patient survey vendor and process.  They have begun working with Press Ganey Associates, a leader in the healthcare performance improvement industry, to gather patient feedback.  Press Ganey utilizes a confidential, anonymous survey process to gather information the health system can use to improve patient experience and outcomes.

CCHS CEO Brett Altman said “Press Ganey provides a way for us to learn what our patients are experiencing and we can then use that information to improve our processes and service.”

Press Ganey will mail and email surveys to a sampling of patients who have been seen in the CCHS hospital and clinics.  This is a change from the telephone survey process the health system has used in recent years. Surveys are returned directly to Press Ganey, where the data is collected, analyzed and then provided to the hospital.  The surveys are completely confidential.

Altman noted.  “Patient feedback is very important to us, so we want to make it as easy as possible for our patients to share their perceptions with us.” The survey process for inpatients and surgical patients is regulated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  A sample of patients in these areas will receive a survey in the mail; if a response is not received within 21 days a second survey must be mailed.

A sample of patients seen in clinics, outpatient departments and the Emergency Department will also receive a survey in the mail.  Others will receive an email survey; a second email survey will be sent if there is no response in 5 days. Altman said “Patient feedback has been a key tool in our becoming one of the top 100 rural hospitals in America, and will help us work toward our mission to become the best rural hospital in America.”

DES MOINES – High temperatures and clear skies on Friday and Saturday are likely to lead to elevated ozone levels.  The Department of Natural Resources recommends that Iowans with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly, and children limit prolonged outdoor exertion during the afternoon and evening on Friday and Saturday.

Hot and sunny conditions are anticipated across the region, which favor the formation of photochemical smog. In these conditions, volatile organic compounds react with nitrogen oxide resulting in an increase in ozone. Volatile organic compounds are emitted from the evaporation of consumer and industrial solvents, such as the evaporation from gas tanks in vehicles or mowers. Nitrogen oxides are created by combustion, and are contained in the exhaust from vehicles and coal-fired boilers.

Iowans can keep track of evolving air quality conditions by checking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s national air quality map at www.airnow.gov.

AMES, Iowa (AP) — Heavy rain has washed over much of Story and eastern Boone County, prompting flash flood warnings. The National Weather Service issued a warning Thursday morning after more than 4 inches (10 centimeters) of rain had fallen and 2 more inches had been forecast. The deluge caused street flooding across the Iowa State University campus and elsewhere in Ames, stranding some vehicles and their drivers. Street flooding also was reported in Kelley, Nevada and Story City. U.S. Highway 69 was forced to close for a short time on a stretch south of Ames. A flash flood warning also has been issued for several counties to the northwest, including Calhoun, Humboldt, Pocahontas and Webster.