DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad says six Iowa universities and colleges will be home to centers that will promote teaching science, technology, engineering and math to students no matter where they live. Branstad says lack of equal opportunity for such programs to all students is hurting the state’s ability to retain and attract businesses needing highly skilled workers. He says test scores show Iowa students have fallen behind in math and science education.
 
The centers called STEM hubs will be located at Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville, University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, Southwestern Community College in Creston, and Drake University. The University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College work together to form the sixth. Funding for the offices is included in an education budget bill pending in the Legislature.

 The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) says testing performed by the State Hygienic Laboratory indicates more than 150 case of pertussis (whooping cough) have been reported so far in 2012 including 2 in Pottawattamie County, and one each in Adair and Montgomery Counties, from January 1st through May 3rd. Statewide, that’s a 121 percent increase over the number of cases reported at this time in 2011. Officials say the actual number of cases is probably much higher though, because most adults with pertussis are not diagnosed or reported. And, while children ages 5 to 14 years make up the bulk of reported cases, officials say it’s important to note that adults are considered the primary ‘spreaders’ of the disease. 

IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says “Children receive pertussis vaccine series beginning at 2 months of age, and are recommended to get a booster dose of pertussis vaccine at 11 or 12 years of age. Most adults haven’t had a pertussis vaccination since childhood so they probably have no immunity left to pertussis. When they get the disease, their symptoms are milder and are often mistaken for a lingering cough, but they still spread the disease to others.”  Therefore, according to Quinlisk,  it’s especially important that adults who are around children receive pertussis-containing vaccine because they can spread the disease to infants and young children who are too young to be fully immunized. In infants, pertussis can be severe and even deadly. Adults can receive the Tdap shot (the adult “tetanus booster” that also contains pertussis vaccine). 

The most common symptoms of pertussis in children are fits of coughing sometimes followed by vomiting or a ‘whooping’ sound as air is inhaled. Adults also cough, but usually the cough is not as severe, and the “whoop” is not heard. This is why many adults do not realize they have pertussis. While taking antibiotics will treat the infection and prevent an individual from spreading the disease any further, the cough may continue for weeks while the irritated airways completely heal

A Corning couple was arrested Sunday night on Domestic Abuse charges. According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Department, Heather and Scott Cornish were taken into custody at around 9:20-p.m., after a 9-1-1 call was received by the Adams County Dispatch Center, with regard to a fight in progress between a husband and wife. Upon officers’ arrival, both parties were taken into custody.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Department says a Clarinda man was arrested Friday on a felony charge for the Threat of Terrorism, and an Aggravated Misdemeanor charge of Harrassment in the 1st Degree. The arrest of 30-year old Kurtis Hillerbrand stems from contact he allegedly made to the Miltner Insurance Agency in Corning, threatening to “blow up” their office building. Hillerbrand was being held in the Adams County Jail.

(9-a.m. News)

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May is Older Americans Month, a perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for older adults in your community. On Tuesday, May 8th, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Southwest 8 Senior Services will host Lunch in the Park at Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs. Lunch will feature pizza, sandwich wraps, desserts, drinks and other food items. A portion of the proceeds will go to support Southwest 8 and the work it does for area seniors. 

A quilt raffle will be held, titled “Quilt-a-Quarter.” Tickets for the raffle cost $5 for one or $10 for three. A drawing will be held every quarter (every three months) for a quilt valued at up to $500. There will also be a special surprise at noon, featuring local seniors.  In addition, Southwest 8 will have informational booths for anybody looking for more information for themselves or aging loved ones.  

The theme for Older Americans Month 2012—Never Too Old to Play!—puts a spotlight on the important role older adults play in sharing their experience, wisdom, and understanding, and passing on that knowledge to other generations in a variety of significant ways. This year’s celebrations will recognize the value that older adults continue to bring to our communities through spirited participation in social and faith groups, service organizations, and other activities. Southwest 8 Senior Services is joining in the national celebration of Older Americans Month 2012 with activities and events to promote intergenerational engagement and recreation. We invite you to join in the fun! To find out how you can support Older Americans Month 2012 and take part in intergenerational play, contact Autumn Eberly at 712-328-2540 extension 12 or at aeberly@southwest8.org.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – U.S. Census Bureau data show Iowa’s average commute is nearly 6 minutes shorter than the national average. The Des Moines Register reports that the average Iowa commute is 19.1 minutes. That ties the state with Kansas for the seventh-fastest average commute in the country. The national average is 25 minutes.The Census Bureau’s American Community Survey says North Dakota residents enjoy the nation’s shortest average commute: 16.1 minutes. 

The Iowa Transportation Department says Iowan residents travel an average of 11.5 miles to work. The census data say Madison County residents have the longest average commute: 29 minutes. Many of them work in the Des Moines area. 

In the immediate KJAN listening area, commuting times include: 17.9-minutes in Cass County; 21-minutes in Adair County; 20.2-minutes in Adams and Pottawattamie Counties; 19.3-minutes in Audubon County; 27-minutes in Guthrie County; 20.6-minutes in Montgomery County, and 17.6-minutes in Shelby County. The state’s shortest average commute is the 12.3 minutes in Sioux County.

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Police in Red Oak are investigating a reported residential burglary. Carla Wickwire, who lives on East Coolbaugh Street, reported to authorities on Saturday, that someone forcefully entered her home while she was out of town, and stole several pieces of electronic equipment and related components. 

The items included a 19” LCD TV, 13 X-BOX Games, an I-POD, and a Laptop computer. Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact the Red Oak Police Department at 712-623-6500, or the Montgomery County Crime stoppers at 800-432-1001.

The Atlantic School’s District’s Board of Education will hold a Certified Budget Amendment Hearing Tuesday evening in the Media Center, at the high school. The hearing, followed by a public comment period, begins at 7:30-p.m., prior to the start of the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting. 

During the regular session, the Board will hear a progress report on the Middle School project, and a report from Travis Squires, with Piper-Jaffray. In other business, they’ll act on approving General Education/Special Education, and Amended contracts, approve Letters of Assignment, Volunteer Coaches, and any resignations. 

Other action items include approval of: A 2-year agreement with Non-Certified Staff; Bread, Milk and Garbage bids; the Certified 2011-2012 Budget Amendment; Anne Wickman playground expansion at the Lincoln School, and the Lindamood-Bell Reading Program contract. 

Up for discussion prior to adjournment, is the topic of additional classroom space at Schuler Elementary.