One person died and another was injured during a collision early this (Friday) morning, in eastern Iowa. The Iowa State Patrol says a when pickup truck driven by 38-year old James C. Grassi, of Coralville, crossed into the path of a 2017 Mack semi driven by 56-year old Hobee Hansen, of Cedar Rapids, the vehicles collided head-on. Grassi died at the scene of the crash, that happened on Highway 148 at around 12:40-a.m.

Hansen was transported by ambulance to Trinity Hospital in Muscatine, for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. Both men were wearing their seat belts. The accident remains under investigation.

Governor Terry Branstad may resign as soon as the last week in April in order to serve as President Trump’s ambassador to China. Branstad expects a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing on his nomination to happen about five weeks from now. Branstad was in Washington, D.C. last weekend and through the beginning of this week for a National Governors Association meeting. He also met with Trump Administration officials to talk about his hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

“I spent about three hours with the state department, with some of their staff and, basically, they indicated to me it’ll probably be around the first week in April when I’ll come up,” Branstad said.

The governor will be flying back to D-C “a few more” times THIS month to meet personally with each member of the committee. During one of those trips, Branstad also will be put through what’s called the “murder board.” It’s a state department drill to simulate what may happen at the confirmation hearing. “Ask you the tough questions,” Branstad says. “See how you handle it. Give you advice.”

Branstad says he’s gone through the same kind of preparation for press conferences and campaign debates. Branstad has a good guess now about when his nomination to be ambassador will be voted upon by the full U.S. Senate. “I’m thinking it’s going to be late April, maybe early May,” Branstad says. “But as soon as I am confirmed, then shortly thereafter it would be my intention to resign and be sworn in as the ambassador and then the lieutenant governor would, of course, become the governor.”

Branstad sat next to First Lady Melania Trump and the governor’s wife, Chris, sat next to President Trump at the dinner the Trump’s hosted at the White House Sunday night for the nation’s governors.

(Radio Iowa)

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports a phone scam that circulates every year at about this time, is making the rounds again. Sheriff Todd Johnson says his office has received numerous calls from citizens saying they have received a phone call or had a recording left on their phone, from someone claiming to be from the IRS.

Johnson says with new technology, scammers can use their number as showing up as the IRS or Department of Treasury. The scam has been around for a number of years, but Johnson says it seems to be hitting Audubon County harder this year.

The caller claims to be from the IRS, and threatens to take legal action. Johnson reminds citizens, that THE IRS DOES NOT CALL TO DEMAND IMMEDIATE PAYMENT, not will they call about your taxes without first mailing a bill.

NEVER GIVE OUT YOUR PERSONAL or FINANCIAL INFORMATION to a person or agency you did not call!

Cass County Youth Coordinator Shelby Williams said today (Friday), “Cass County 4-H Clubs would like to invite the public to attend their annual 4-H Mardi Gras carnival on Sunday, March 5th.”  Williams said also “Mardi Gras includes fun, food, & carnival-type games for kids of all ages. The event is scheduled from 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. at the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic. We are so excited to offer many activities for families.”

Activities this year include: Family Mardi Gras Photo Booth, Ring Toss, Dessert Walk, Sponge Throw, the ever popular Youth Council Mardi Gras Jail, Bucket Pong, boot toss and much more! Several clubs will also be selling snacks for attendees to enjoy, including a Walking Taco Stand, cookie decorating station and pop floats to go.

The Youth Action Committee and Youth Council are sponsoring this county-wide event and would like to invite all Cass County families to come out and join the fun. It is intended to be a low cost, family-friendly event for everyone in the county. Williams stresses that “You don’t have to be in 4-H to attend. “all are welcome!”

Admission is $.50 a person and tickets cost $.10 each. Each 4-H club determines how many tickets to charge to play their game. All proceeds from this event go to the 4-H clubs, Youth Council, and the Cass County 4-H Program.