AMES, Iowa (AP) – Mosquitoes from traps at central Iowa parks have tested positive for the West Nile virus. The testing was recently conducted at parks in Ames by Iowa State University and the University Hygienic Lab.

While there is a lag time between collecting the samples and the testing, the results suggest mosquitoes with the potential to carry the virus are likely still present in the community. ISU entomologist Ryan Smith says late summer is the peak season for transmission of the virus.

Experts say most people who are infected have no symptoms or experience only mild, flu-like symptoms. The most vulnerable people are those who are at least 50 or have weakened immune systems. The virus is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.

Today, residents of Atlantic celebrate the spirit of the community, civic organizations, volunteers and businesses, during the Annual AtlanticFest event. The day begins with a Road Race sponsored by Connect-A-Dock, at 8-a.m. (Registration is at 7-a.m.), and it includes a 5-mile run, 2-mile run, and a 2-mile walk. Chip timing is available, as well as giveaways like a free pair of running shoes, running swag, and more.

The 3rd Annual Bags Tournament begins at Noon at the Beer Garden, presented by Megan Roberts/State Farm, and Weirich Welding. Registration is from 11-a.m. until Noon. The Local Beer Tent will be open from Noon until 3, presented by Doll Distributing, and offers free samples of beer made in Iowa, to persons of legal age.

The 19th Annual AtlanticFest Car Show, presented by Atlantic Motor Supply/NAPA, starts off with registration from 8-a.m. to 11-a.m., with awards at 4-p.m. A Bike Show presented by Olsen’s Outdoor Power and Plastic Professionals, has registration from 8-a.m. until Noon, with awards at 3:30-p.m.

There’s also a Pedal Pull sponsored by Weirich Welding, TS Bank, Grain & Livestock Hedging, and ADM Grain Co., beginning with registration at Noon, and the pedal pulls right around 1-p.m.  11 food vendors will be in the downtown area and City Park, along with 35 crafters on Chestnut Street, beginning at 10-a.m.

Live, local entertainment is available for you to enjoy on the A.M. Cohron Stage in the City Park, beginning at 11-a.m. There’s performances by Villa Dance Company, Salute Gymnastics, Dance Atlantic, Susan Tridle, Sarah Selders, Jessica Jacobsen, Samantha Kirchoff, Monica Boos, Troy Boos, and Mary Young. Local favorite Sheltered Reality will perform at 4-p.m.

AtlanticFest serves as a fundraiser for the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce. The funds are used to grow the event each year and improve other, upcoming events. It also supports business-based programs, while supporting Shop Local.

Officials with the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Friday, reported that on Thursday, August 10th, law enforcement safely located one of two women in a missing persons case. 26-year old MacKenzie Knigge and a vehicle associated with the disappearance, 2006 silver Pontiac Montana with Indiana license plate 193 ETI, were located in Lafayette, Indiana.

Jessica Gomez

26-year old Jessica Gomez remains missing. Authorities say there is a heightened concern for her safety. Gomez, who is from Fort Dodge, was last seen there on August 4th, 2017.  Gomez’s vehicle, a 2008 black Toyota Yaris, was located west of the intersection of Fairbanks Avenue and 150th Street in Webster County.

Anyone with recent information about Gomez or her vehicle is asked to immediately contact law enforcement. Call the Webster County Law Enforcement Center at 515-573-1410.  Webster County Crime Stoppers can be contacted anonymously by calling 515-573-1444 (STOP), online at www.wccrimestoppers.com, or by texting the word “LEC” and your tip, to 274637.

The former Iowa Senate G-O-P staffer who won more than two million dollars after a jury heard descriptions of sexual harassment in her workplace was offered a fraction of that amount to settle her lawsuit before the trial started. Kirsten Anderson was the communications director for Republicans in the Iowa Senate. She was fired in May of 2013, about seven hours after she gave her manager a memo outlining complaints about a “toxic” workplace.

Before the trial on her lawsuit started last month, though, Anderson’s lawyer indicated she’d settle out of court for one-and-a-quarter million dollars. Attorneys for the state would only offer 100-thousand dollars, so the case went to trial and Anderson won two-point-two million. Last week, lawyers in the Iowa attorney general’s office filed documents seeking a new trial. They contend Anderson’s lawyer inappropriately asked the jury to “send a message” with their verdict. Anderson’s lawyer counters that the opposing legal team could have objected to his statement during the trial, but didn’t.

Senate Republican Leader Bill Dix says Anderson was fired because of her poor work, not for complaining about harassment. Dix has directed a senate staffer to investigate the instances of harassment that were brought up during the trial. Republican Senator Rick Bertrand of Sioux City has called on Dix to speed things up, since the complaints sat unaddressed for four years. Bertrand says: “like garbage, the longer this issue sits unaddressed, the more it stinks.” Bertrand is also the only Republican member in the senate who has called on Dix to resign.

(Radio Iowa)

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Omaha-area health officials have confirmed Douglas County, Nebraska’s first human case this year of West Nile virus. The Douglas County Health Department says the infected person is a woman under 40. Officials say she was not hospitalized and is recovering. State health officials say it’s the ninth human case confirmed in Nebraska so far this year.

Experts say most people who are infected have no symptoms or experience only mild, flu-like symptoms. The most vulnerable people are those who are at least 50 or have weakened immune systems. The virus is transmitted to humans through mosquitoes, which acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds.

Nebraska reported 95 human cases of West Nile virus last year, including one death.