Iowans who are filling up the gas tanks of their cars — and their snowblowers — are paying more lately. Gail Weinholzer, at Triple-A-Iowa, says gasoline prices are higher than usual. “We’ve had a strong demand throughout the winter,” Weinholzer says. “We’re exporting a lot of crude oil. Crude oil is trading up above $65 a barrel and all of that formed a confluence of reasons why prices have stayed high through the winter and are a bit higher than they were last year at this time.”

The average price for gas in Iowa is two-58 a gallon. That’s up 20-cents from a year ago. Last weekend’s U-S-led strike on Syria likely isn’t to blame, at least not much. “Syria is not an oil exporter, not directly,” she says. “There’s some nervousness within the market about any continuing hostility and that’s keeping crude oil prices high. Crude oil prices have been high throughout the winter so it’s not having that significant of an impact.”

While the weather is still wintry, we’re almost a month into spring, which usually means an upturn in gas prices. “We’re most of the way through the switch-over from the winter to the summer grade of fuel, even though we’re not actually experiencing summer at this point,” Weinholzer says. “The summer grade fuel burns cleaner and costs more to refine so we always see prices rise in the spring, although I wouldn’t expect them to rise any more than a nickel or a dime between now and Memorial Day.”

The daily Triple-A survey shows Iowa’s most expensive gas is in Dubuque, averaging two-65 a gallon, while the cheapest gas is in Council Bluffs at two-49.

(Radio Iowa)

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:55 a.m. CDT

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa regulator says the state’s top elections official will not be required to identify his private businesses in a conflict-of-interest disclosure form because other state officials have kept them secret without consequence. The statement from Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board director Megan Tooker comes a day after The Associated Press reported that Secretary of State Paul Pate owns a strip mall and two rental storage businesses that he didn’t list on an ethics filing last week.

OAKLAND, Iowa (AP) — The parents of a 16-year-old girl who died in a school bus fire in western Iowa last year are suing the school district. The Des Moines Register reports that Glen and Natalie Klindt accuse Riverside Community School District in the wrongful death lawsuit of negligent hiring, training and supervision of 74-year-old bus driver Donald Hendricks, who also died in the fire. The Klindts say the Dec. 12 death of their daughter, Megan Klindt, caused them severe emotional distress.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa appeals court has granted a new trial for a man convicted of murder who argued that the jury was biased against him. The Des Moines Register reports that the Iowa Court of Appeals on Wednesday sided with Lee Christensen, who argued on appeal that several jurors had seen Facebook posts threatening the jury and warning of riots if Christensen weren’t convicted. Christensen was sentenced in 2016 to 50 years in prison for the June 2015 shooting death of 19-year-old Thomas Bortvit.

DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) — Court records say a Dubuque man scheduled for a murder trial in August has made a plea deal with prosecutors. The Telegraph Herald reports that a hearing is scheduled Friday for 36-year-old Michael Piantieri, who’s pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the Dec. 2 slaying of 42-year-old Beverly Puccio at her home. The agreement says Piantieri will plead guilty to second-degree murder and face a mandatory sentence of 50 years in prison.

More than two-dozen people packed Atlantic City Hall Wednesday evening, to listen about plans to attract and retain businesses in the community, in light of four local businesses that have already shuttered their doors or soon will be. At least two of those business owners are retiring, one has health issues. Chamber Executive Director Bailey Smith spoke to the Council about what they are currently doing and plan on doing to reverse the trend.

First, she said, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce provides business owners with continuing education opportunities, including partnerships with the Small Business Development Center and Iowa Works, to update owners on changing business practices, marketing strategies and staying up-to-date on labor laws. They also launched a “Shop local initiative” with 1st Whitney Bank, and the “Shop Local Passport Program,” in partnership with 15 businesses. Since its launch, almost $2-million dollars were spent at those businesses, combined.

Smith says those programs are creating positive change and educating the community. The Chamber next plans to launch a Mentorship Program. It will guide new business owners through the process by partnering them with existing business owners. Through confidential conversations, new entrepreneurs will be able to get advice and strategy on all facets of the operation of a small business.

And finally, several independent business leaders and investors are partnering together to pledge money to entrepreneurs looking to start businesses in Atlantic. The pledge will work as a loan vetted through a local bank and will help business owners buy inventory, cover building costs, etc. Interest in this program has been strong on the business leader and investor side.

Russell Joyce, with the Cass Atlantic Development Corporation (CADCO), said their Board of Directors is supportive of the City and/or some other entities, providing an incentive program for retail. Joyce said over the past few years, a number of professionals have retired, but that’s turned out to be a positive situation, because it ended up bringing in younger professionals.

Even now, he said, with people in the retail sector reaching retirement age or past retirement age, there are positives to report. New businesses have come to town, some have moved to older buildings and refurbishing them, and some are considering expanding. Recruiting new retail is the real challenge, according to Joyce. Some solutions include doing more shopping locally, and for some businesses to adjust their business models to change with the times.

Some of those in attendance said the City needs to do a better job of promoting events and drawing people to town, especially in light of the Sesquicentennial. Barb Jorgensen, owner of The Little Cobbler, said the City needs to promote events and draw more people to town. Dr. Keith Leonard, a retired veterinarian, suggested the City help waive some fees for upstart businesses.

Mayor Jones and the Council reminded the audience that the Community Promotion Committee meets to discuss the issues, and anyone is welcome to attend. The public will be notified of the next meeting date and time, which is expected to be within the next month.

OAKLAND, Iowa (AP) — The parents of a 16-year-old girl who died in a school bus fire in western Iowa last year are suing the school district. The Des Moines Register reports that Glen and Natalie Klindt accuse Riverside Community School District in the wrongful death lawsuit of negligent hiring, training and supervision of 74-year-old bus driver Donald Hendricks, who also died in the fire.

The Klindts say the Dec. 12 death of their daughter, Megan Klindt, caused them severe emotional distress, and they’re seeking an unspecified amount in damages. The Klindts’ lawsuit also says they and Megan had complained about Hendricks’ driving before the fire. Hendricks used a walker and had back surgery scheduled the week of the fire.

Federal investigators have said the fire began in the engine compartment after Hendricks backed the bus into a ditch and became stuck.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of 27-year-old Michael Weeden of Clarinda on a warrant for Criminal Mischief 4th Degree. Weeden was arrested at 2:00pm on Wednesday and taken to the Montgomery County Jail and held on $1,000 bond.

DES MOINES, Iowa –Principal Financial Group ® (Nasdaq: PFG) announced today (Wednesday), that it has received notice of an unsolicited mini-tender offer by Baker Mills LLC (“Baker Mills”) to purchase up to 60,000 shares of Principal Financial Group, Inc. common stock (“PFG”) from Principal ® shareholders. The offer represents approximately 0.021 percent of Principal’s shares of common stock outstanding as of the April 16, 2018 offer date.

Baker Mills’ offer price of $49.00 per share is approximately 19.75 percent lower than the $61.06 closing price of PFG common stock on Nasdaq on April 16, 2018. This offer follows a recent similar offer by Baker Mills to purchase from certain PFG holders up to 50,000 shares of PFG. That previous offer, which terminated on March 2, 2018, resulted in the purchase by Baker Mills of 11,163 PFG shares.

As with the prior offer by Baker Mills, Principal does not endorse Baker Mills’ unsolicited mini-tender offer and recommends that shareholders do not tender their shares in response to Baker Mills’ offer because the offer is, as was the case with the previous offer, at a price that is significantly below the current market value of PFG.

As with the prior offer by Baker Mills for PFG, Principal urges investors to obtain current market quotations for their shares, consult with their broker or financial advisor, and exercise caution with respect to Baker Mills’ offer. Principal urges shareholders who have not responded to Baker Mills’ offer take no action.

Shareholders who have already tendered their shares may withdraw them at any time by providing written notice as described in the Baker Mills mini-tender offer documents prior to the expiration of the offer, currently scheduled for 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, on May 18, 2018. Principal encourages shareholders to review carefully the “Withdrawal Rights” section of the offer documents.

To find out more, visit principal.com.

Deputies with the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office assisted local agencies at the scene of a mock crash today (Wednesday), at the Sidney High School. Students were presented with a scenario of a two-vehicle accident with one person ejected from the vehicle. The scenario included one fatally injured student and one arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.

Photos courtesy the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office

Local first responders wanted to stress the dangers of drunk driving, distracted driving, and wearing seatbelts. The Sidney Fire and Rescue, Hamburg Fire and Rescue, Percival Fire and Rescue, Riverton Fire and Rescue, Farragut Fire and Rescue, Fremont County Coroner’s Office, Fremont County Emergency Management, Benefiel Towing, and the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office participated in the exercise.

Atlantic Rising (AR) would like to remind you to register for the 5th annual Awards Gala presented by the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and Megan Roberts, State Farm. The event is designed to celebrate the achievements of young professionals who demonstrate excellence and innovation in their profession and within their community. The 2018 award winners will be announced at the AR Awards Gala on Friday, April 27th, starting at noon. The event will take place at the Atlantic Golf & Country Club. The Chamber thanks Atlantic Rising Premier Partner, Cass County Health System.

In addition to recognizing the success of area young professionals, one Chamber business will also be recognized as the YP Choice Workplace of the Year.  The YP Choice Workplace Award recognizes companies who effectively attract, retain and develop young professionals. Nominations were received in the following categories: YP Newcomer, YP Business Leader, YP Entrepreneur, YP Public Servant and YP Choice Workplace. Reminder to register for this event. Visit www.atlanticiowa.com to register on the Events Calendar page or call the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce at 712-243-3017.

Atlantic Rising is an organization focused on connecting, engaging and attracting young leaders into the community while promoting greater Atlantic.  Any interested individuals can contact ashley@atlanticiowa.com or call 712-243-3017 for information.

Three people in a pickup truck were injured Tuesday afternoon, when the vehicle went out of control in Union County. The Sheriff’s Office reports a 2015 Chevy Silverado pickup driven by 25-year old Brandon Matthew Kolo, of Baxter, was traveling north on Clover Avenue at around 12:50-p.m., when the road turned to mud. When the pickup hit a large puddle, mud was splashed onto the windshield, impairing Kolo’s ability to see. The truck hit the side rail of a bridge and flipped over the side before rolling onto its top.

Kolo suffered possible/unknown injuries. His passengers, 34-year old Matthew Burgan, and 27-year old Jordan Coneel, both of Des Moines, were also injured. All three were transported by ambulance or EMS to the Greater Regional Medical Center, in Creston. All of the victims except Matthew Burgan, were wearing their seat belts. Damage to the pickup was estimated at $7,500. The vehicle was a total loss. No citations were issued.

April 18, 2018 — Many people looking to buy or sell items often turn to online listing sites like Craigslist or social media pages. Better Business Bureau serving Nebraska, South Dakota, The Kansas Plains and Southwest Iowa warns buyers to watch out for scams. BBB President and CEO Jim Hegarty stated, “One common scenario involves vehicles listed for sale at an exceptionally good price.” “The potential buyer reaches out to the ‘seller,’ expressing their interest. The ‘seller’ says the vehicle is available, and explains they can have the vehicle shipped to the buyer. The ‘seller’ might even offer a period of time the buyer can ‘change their mind’ and get their money back. Because the buyers are out of the area, the ‘seller’ asks for payment via wire transfer or prepaid card. Those forms of payment are as untraceable as cash. So as soon as the scammers get the payment, they disappear, and your purchase never arrives,” explained Hegarty.

BBB and BBB Scam Tracker have received numerous inquiries and complaints from consumers across the U.S. reporting that they had responded to Craigslist or Facebook ads for motor vehicles including cars, trucks, semi-trucks, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, boats, skid loaders, etc. at “too good to be true” prices. Many of the potential buyers were told by the “seller” that the reason the vehicle was priced so low was because their husband had died 3 months ago of a heart attack and the vehicle brings them bad memories. Other buyers were told that the seller had gotten a new job and moved back to their hometown and because of new priorities, “the vehicle has to go.”

In some cases, potential buyers were informed that the vehicles were located in Omaha, and the sale and transport of the vehicles would be handled by either: DPS Auto Shippers, DVS Auto Shippers, DVA Auto Shippers or Omaha Shippers of Omaha. They all claimed to be located at 4480 S. 90th St, Omaha, NE 68127.  The buyers were told to make their payments by wire transfer within the U.S., and their money would be held in escrow until the sale was final. They were also informed that they would be allowed to keep the vehicle for a specific time period, and, if not satisfied, they could return it for a refund. All communications to the buyers were done via text messaging or email. One victim from Michigan reported that she had wired $4,000 of her fiancée’s money for a 2004 Impala LTZ. She never received the car.

A BBB investigation has verified that that DPS Auto Shippers and its affiliated names are not located at the Omaha address stated in the online ads.  The actual physical location of this company is unknown. BBB has also confirmed that this company is not licensed as an auto dealer in Nebraska. Hegarty said, “Shoppers should never trust sales ads for vehicles or other expensive items on Craigslist without thoroughly checking out the seller and the vehicle. If the seller’s identity cannot be verified, don’t send money.”

“Paying someone you do not know – especially using difficult-to-trace payments like wire services or loadable cards – can be a huge mistake. If the seller’s story seems suspect, or the price tag seems unusually low, you could be asking for trouble. When shopping on Craigslist, always meet the seller in a public place and see the item for sale before purchasing. Following this one rule will help you avoid most scams on Craigslist.” BBB offers the following advice for persons shopping for vehicles online:

• Try to deal only with established businesses when looking for a vehicle online. Verify that a business is legitimate and has a physical address. Never send money in advance for a car or truck unless you have thoroughly checked out the seller and are convinced the offer is real.
• Be especially wary about paying for vehicles being sold online using wire transfers or by giving a seller the access code to a Green Dot Moneypak or similar loadable card. Such money transfers are very difficult to trace.
• If the seller suggests going through a third party, like eBay, to secure the transaction, make certain that you have confirmed the sale through the third party.
• Never trust that a phone number belongs to a business without verifying it independently. This usually can be done by researching the business’ phone number online and calling it to confirm.
• Scammers use low prices to lure victims. If the price of a vehicle seems unusually low, it likely is a scheme to steal your money.
• Pay by credit card whenever possible in the event you need to challenge the charge.
• Be cautious of purchasing any vehicle without a full inspection.
• Ask that the seller supply information about the vehicle in writing, including mileage, history and any warranty.

Contact BBB at 402-391-7612 or 800-649-6814 for more advice on how to determine whether you are being scammed.