(Radio Iowa) — Due to “high demand,” there will be more than one inaugural ball to mark the start of Kim Reynolds’ first full term as governor. Tickets to an inaugural ball on Friday, January 18th sold out, so a second inaugural ball will be staged at the same time, in a building nearby in downtown Des Moines. Governor Reynolds says she and her husband, Kevin, will dash from one to the other. “So we make both of them a special and fun evening,” Reynolds says.

Crowds at both balls will see the governor in the same attire. “By trying to finish up a campaign, go into the Election, go into Christmas, try to be a good grandma for 10 grandchildren, to host Christmas and spent time with family and to babysit — because I haven’t had time to do that — we’re lucky I got a dress, let’s just say that,” Reynolds joked yesterday. The Iowa G-O-P staged an “Inaugural Fundraiser” for Reynolds in June of 2017 — a week after she took over in the middle of Terry Branstad’s sixth term as governor.

A chase that began Thursday night in Omaha ended near the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, with several suspects taken into custody. According to Omaha TV station KETV, Omaha Police initiated the pursuit of a Honda Accord, after someone in the vehicle opened fire near a funeral in the vicinity of 24th and I streets. Omaha police were already patrolling in the area and located the suspect vehicle. The resulting chase continued onto northbound Interstate 29 and into Iowa on the east side of Eppley Airfield near the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office.

Police told the tv station three suspects attempted to run near the Honey Creek exit. They are in custody in the Pottawattamie County Jail. No names have been released at this time.

New Year resolutions are common this time of year. Some are easily broken; others are sincerely made, but hard to keep. The decision to eliminate tobacco from your life is a commitment that takes self-control and support. Iowans who have made the healthy choice to quit smoking are reminded help and support is available through Quitline Iowa. In Iowa, 16.7 percent of adults smoke. One in four Iowa adults uses tobacco in some form; cigarettes are the most used. Tobacco is the leading cause of death for Iowans, taking the lives of more than 5,100 adults each year.

Brandy Powers, Tobacco Prevention Coordinator for Southwest Iowa, says “The benefits of stopping the use of tobacco and nicotine are almost immediate,” said . “According to the American Cancer Society, within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure drop. Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. Within two to three months, your circulation improves and your lung function increases. After one year of living tobacco free, the excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a continuing smoker’s.” Even so, nicotine is an addiction and breaking that addiction can be challenging. Quitline Iowa can provide help.

Quitline Iowa pairs tobacco and nicotine users with a Quit Coach® to help them develop an individualized quitting plan and determine the best way to help them stay tobacco-free. A Quit Coach® also helps by:

• Preparing participants for their quit date
• Providing tips and support to live in a smoke-free environment
• Offering advice and information on medications that may help with withdrawal symptoms

Iowa residents can take advantage of Quitline Iowa by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669), or visiting www.quitlineiowa.org to enroll. Registration specialists and Quit Coaches® are available 24 hours a day. Those looking to quit tobacco and nicotine use are recommended to speak with their doctor concerning best ways to quit in conjunction with speaking to a Quit Coaches® through Quitline Iowa. Brandy Powers serves six counties in Southwest Iowa (Adams, Fremont, Montgomery, Page, Ringgold, & Taylor counties), housed at Page County Public Health.