Police in Council Bluffs said late Monday evening, that the female driver of an SUV which struck a 17-year old female pedestrian Monday morning at 25th and Broadway, has been identified. The driver, whom police declined to identify, contacted the traffic unit Monday afternoon. An investigation into the incident will continue Tuesday morning.

In their original report, Bluffs Police said a 17-year old female was crossing the intersection southbound on the west side of the intersection, in the crosswalk. A red, crossover-type SUV vehicle, driven by a white female, was facing north on 25th street and attempted a left turn to go west onto Broadway. The vehicle struck the pedestrian in the crosswalk.

The driver of the vehicle stopped and made contact the pedestrian, and remained on scene until the Fire Dept arrived. Paramedics transported the pedestrian to Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs, where she was treated for minor injuries and released. The driver of the vehicle left the scene before police arrived to investigate the crash.

Officials with SWIPCO (the Southwest Iowa Planning Council), Monday, announced Amber Carcel, of Avoca, joined the organization Oct. 26th, as its Community Development Director. Carcel comes to SWIPCO from Iowa Western Community College where she was the Business and Computer Program Coordinator. Prior to Iowa Western Carcel was the Energy Housing Director at West Central Community Action in Harlan. She is also a veteran of the United States Air Force.

The SWIPCO community development department includes five staff in addition to the director. The department handles a wide variety of tasks including housing assistance, grant writing and administration, community and regional planning, and general assistance to local governments.

Executive Director John McCurdy said Carcel holds a Bachelor degree in business marketing, a Masters of Arts in Education and a Masters of Business Administration in addition to her work experience. Outside of SWIPCO Carcel is a member of the AHSTW school board and an active mentor in the Teammates Mentoring Program, as well as an adjunct instructor at Metro Community College. She and her husband, Tim, have two children, Timmy (13) and Lilianna (9).

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office today (Monday), reported four arrests over the past week. Last Thursday, 19-year old Mark Sean Dupre, of Council Bluffs, was arrested on a Warrant for Failure To Appear in court on a Possession of Controlled Substance charge. Dupre was arrested at around 11:40-p.m. at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office, where his bond was set at $5,000.

34-year old Michael Alan Hathaway, of Council Bluffs, was arrested Thursday night in Mills County, for Possession of drug Paraphernalia. His bond was set at $300. And, 41-year old Deborah Lynn Wentz, of Council Bluffs, was arrested Thursday morning for Unlawful Possession of Prescription Drug, and on a Pottawattamie County Warrant for Probation Violation. Her bond was set at $1,000.

Mills County deputies also arrested 24-year old Shialea Kay Cozad, of Omaha. She was taken into custody Saturday night in Glenwood, for Possession of Contraband in Correctional Institution, and on warrants for Violation of No Contact Order and being a Fugitive from Justice.  Bond was set at $30,300.

A woman trying to do too many things at once crashed her vehicle Saturday evening, in Mills County. The Sheriff’s Office says Jennifer Weber, of Pacific Junction, was giving her back seat infant a bottle, and attempting to change a DVD in her 2009 GMC, when her vehicle veered off Highway 275.

The front passenger wheel hit a culvert going under a driveway. The vehicle continued through the ditch and embankment before it collided with a speed limit sign. At that point, the vehicle flipped forward and landed on its roof. Weber suffered injuries to her head and mid section and was transported to a hospital by Tabor Rescue. The infant in the car was properly buckled and did not appear to be injured.

Officials say the accident happened at around 6:20-p.m., Saturday.

Clayton Saeugling, Garrett Schwanke, Nate Moen, Lexi Freund, Haley Carlson, Emily Saeugling, Cale Pellett

The Atlantic FFA loaded up seven members and one advisor and headed off to Louisville, Kentucky this past week to attend the 88th National FFA Convention and Expo! The group which included seniors Haley Carlson, Clayton Saeugling and Garrett Schwanke, Juniors Nate Moen and Lexi Freund and sophomores Emily Saeugling and Cale Pellett along with advisor Eric Miller left Tuesday, October 27th to head down. With a 13 hour drive over, the chapter went out to eat and explored the hotel before turning in for the night.

Wednesday marked the first day of the National FFA Convention and the Atlantic FFA started it off at the Louisville Slugger Museum. Here, members toured the factory and learned the history, evolution, and even processing of these bats. Members were also able to witness history as fresh bats were carted by to be shipped off to be used in the World Series! Everyone received a miniature baseball bat of their own after the tour.

Finally the time had come where the Atlantic FFA made its appearance at the 88th National FFA Convention around mid-afternoon. There, the chapter attended the first general session where officers gave reflections on the convention.. During this session, FFA members heard from an inspirational speaker that goes by the name of Rick Rigsby. Dr. Rigsby speech entailed many humorous, but also sad stories that all incorporate leadership and doing what’s morally right. This motivational speaker was a great way to end the first general session.

Thursday morning the FFA members spent the day at the Churchill Downs, the home of the Kentucky Derby. The Atlantic FFA took a tour of the racetrack and learned about derby history. Inside the museum FFA members got to see all different types of derby wear and history. Also a oval room was set up to watch a movie about a day at the derby.

The morning continued to expo center, which is the size of five football fields and filled with 450 exhibitors that represent colleges, agriculture, US armed services, auto & truck companies, and fundraising. At noon, the Atlantic FFA gathered for the Iowa picture. This picture is a group photo of all the FFA members that attend national convention from the state of Iowa. Also Atlantic FFA attended the second round of the talent competition where 15 solo or group acts performed their musical talents. The chapter also stayed for the third general session, where the main event was the Stars of America pageant. The pageant includes special “Star” recognitions such as American Star Farmers or Stars in Agribusiness. These are individuals who have exceeded the expectations of others in the various categories.

On Friday, the group created their own tour in a way, for the reason that a tour through one of the many caves in Kentucky was cancelled due to excessive rain. After driving around for a short amount of time, one member suggested driving through the Burnheim National Forest and exploring it for themselves. In the forest, there were many “nature trails,” and walking paths to see the beauty of the landscape. After exiting the forest, the Atlantic FFA made their way to the Jim Beam distillery, where another self-given tour was presented to the group by their own advisor, Mr. Miller. The last place the Atlantic FFA went was the General George S. Patton Museum on Fort Knox. After touring the museum and taking a picture in front of a tank used in the Army, members went back to the convention center to hear Caleb Gustin give his retiring address, as well as listen to Brad Montague, creator of the series “Kid President” on Youtube. His speech was about promoting the world to do awesome things through easy and fun ways.

Haley Carlson, Lexi Freund, Emily Saeugling, Nate Moen, Cale Pellett, Garrett Schwanke, Clayton Saeugling

Saturday at the 8th session 4 Atlantic FFA members earned their American FFA Degree. Kristin Johnk, Chancey Richards, Wyatt Saeugling and Tucker Sager each walked across the stage to receive the Golden Key of the FFA, the highest award ever granted in the organization. After waving goodbye to Louisville around 10:30 a.m., the journey home had begun. Two stops were made along the way for food plus one at the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, which is currently being renovated. Some members decided that five minutes of swaying 630 feet in the air from the wind was enough, so everyone packed up and got back on the road again.

The Atlantic FFA returned home at about 10:30 p.m. full of memories and fresh ideas on how to better their chapter. All members and even advisor Mr. Miller can agree in the saying that they took something very positive away from this event.

Senior, Haley Carlson said, “The 88th National FFA Convention continued to fuel my passion for agriculture in hopes of achieving my goals of state office someday. I got to reconnect with old friends and make many new ones. My favorite part was getting the chance to talk with state and national officers before sessions. I learned about the agriculture opportunities around the country. What sticks with me the most is that anyone, no matter who you are or where you come from, can wear the blue and corduroy jacket.”

Sophomore, Emily Saeugling said, “My first national convention was a really cool experience. I’m excited for the opportunities in FFA and I am really glad I had this experience.”

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reports a traffic stop Saturday, resulted in two people being arrested on drug charges. 28-year old Denise Jean Chamberlin, of Atlantic, was arrested on charges of Possession of Marijuana 3rd/Subsequent offense, and OWI 1st Offense. 29-year old Randy Wayne Fredericksen, of Atlantic, was arrested on a charge of Possession of Marijuana 2nd Offense. Both individuals were taken to the Cass County Jail and released on bond, Sunday. Chamberlin’s bond was set at $3000, while Fredericksen’s bond was $1000.

And, on Friday, Deputies in Cass County arrested 56-year old Robert John Rasmussen, of Massena. He was taken into custody on two District Court warrants for Failure to Appear. Rasmussen was taken to the Cass County Jail where he was released Saturday, on his own recognizance.

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office says a rollover accident that took place at around 9:45-a.m. Sunday, remains under investigation. Authorities say 65-year old Wynette Elsine Grote, of Brayton, was driving a 2009 Chevy Impala near the right shoulder of the road as she was heading west on 330th Street, about one-miles east of Brayton, when she turned the wheel and her vehicle began to fishtail.

The car slid sideways, partially entered the left ditch and flipped onto its top. Grote, who was trapped in the vehicle until she could be extricated by rescue crews, was transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, by Exira Rescue. Her car sustained about $4,000 damage.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) today (Monday) announced two influenza-related deaths. The two middle-aged (41 to 60 years of age) males were from central Iowa. IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk said “These deaths are an unfortunate reminder the flu virus is circulating in Iowa, and does have the potential to cause severe illness and death.”

The flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May. The most current surveillance shows three states in the nation have the highest estimated influenza activity – Iowa, Oregon and Rhode Island. Based upon CDC’s national estimates, an average of 300,000 Iowans get the flu every year and together, flu and its complication of pneumonia cause an average of 1,000 deaths yearly in Iowa. The flu vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza; however, it is also important to take personal actions to help prevent the spread of illness. Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill.

Anti-viral medications are an important second line of defense to treat the flu in persons at highest risk of developing more severe illness. Anti-viral medications can make flu illness shorter and reduce the risk of ending up in the hospital or dying from influenza. Antivirals work best if started as soon as, or within 48 hours of when symptoms begin, so it is important to contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of influenza. Flu symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days.

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. The flu comes on suddenly and may cause severe illness or even death in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions. Both the current influenza deaths in Iowa occurred in individuals with underlying health conditions.

The “stomach bug” which causes diarrhea and vomiting is not caused by the influenza virus but usually by norovirus; thus, the flu vaccine will not protect you against this illness. Influenza is not a ‘reportable disease’ in Iowa, which means doctors are not required to notify IDPH each time a patient tests positive for influenza; however, IDPH conducts year-round influenza surveillance through the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network. This surveillance indicates what types of influenza viruses are circulating and how widespread influenza illness is. For more information about where and what kind of influenza is in Iowa, go to https://idph.iowa.gov/influenza/reports.

Contact your health care provider or local health department to find out where the vaccine is available in your community or use the Flu Vaccine Finder at www.flu.gov/.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is expanding its “Highway Helper” program. Scott Marler, director of the DOT’s Office of Traffic Operations, says two safety patrol trucks have been in operation in Des Moines. Four more trucks were added in metro areas of eastern and western Iowa today (Monday). “We’re expanding the program into the Iowa City-Cedar Rapids metro area, as well as the Council Bluffs metro area,” Marler said. “So, we’re putting two trucks in Iowa City-Cedar Rapids and two trucks in Council Bluffs.”

Iowa DOT Hwy Helper truck

The Highway Helper vehicles assist motorists with flat tires, jump starts, fuel, and transports free of charge. Marler says the ultimate goal is to improve highway safety. “It really is about keeping traffic moving because we know that traffic backups can lead to very dangerous conditions,” Marler said.

The two trucks added in eastern Iowa will mostly operate on I-80 through Iowa City and I-380 between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. “For the Council Bluffs area, we’ll mostly be focused on Interstates 29 and 80,” Marler said. The patrol vehicles will be in operation on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. and during select high-traffic holidays, according to Marler.

(Radio Iowa)