Iowans are complaining that a device used for emergency treatment during life-threatening allergic reactions is skyrocketing in price. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley says he’s hearing from dozens of constituents about the rising cost of the EpiPen. “The cost of the device has increased more than 400% in recent years,” Grassley says. The Republican says he’s gotten nearly 50 letters in the past few weeks from Iowans who need these devices in case they have a severe reaction, by accidentally eating nuts for example, that threatens to cut off their ability to breathe.

“One Iowa father wrote that he had to pay more than $500 just for one EpiPen for his daughter,” Grassley says. “Iowans also wrote that since the pens expire after about a year, the cost is recurring.” One report says the devices sold in two-packs in 2009 for about $100. EpiPens resemble an ink pen and auto-inject epinephrine, a chemical that narrows blood vessels and opens airways in the lungs. Grassley says he’s concerned the substantial price increase could limit access to a much-needed medication.

“The effects of the cost increase on patients is a concern from a couple of points of view,” Grassley says, “not only to the family, but there’s also concern that school budgets might be effected because a lot of schools keep the product on hand.” Grassley has written a letter to the C-E-O of Mylan, the Pennsylvania-based company that makes EpiPens, inquiring about the price hikes.

“I’ve asked other questions about other pharmaceuticals and sometimes that has caused the company to wake up and see reality,” Grassley says, “in particular, the bad public relations they have when they have these sort of increases that are unjustified.” Another fear, Grassley says, is that the bounding expense of the devices could create an unsafe situation for patients as people try to make their own EpiPen kits from raw materials.

(Radio Iowa)

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – A 29-year-old Council Bluffs woman has been given two years of probation for a fatal hit-and-run accident. The Daily Nonpareil reports  Stephanie Kenealy was sentenced Monday. She’d pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of a fatality accident. The judge also granted her a deferred judgment. Under a deferred judgment, the conviction can be wiped from Kenealy’s record if she successfully completes the terms of her probation.

Authorities say 54-year-old David Ryder was riding his bike in the same direction as Kenealy’s sport utility vehicle when she hit the bicyclist during a downpour of rain on Sept. 8, 2015.  Ryder was declared dead at the scene. Authorities say Kenealy had left the scene and returned nearly an hour later.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors will hold their regular weekly meeting 8:30-a.m. Wednesday, in their Boardroom at the Courthouse in Atlantic. On their agenda is action on approving an agreement authorizing Snyder and Associates Engineers to assist in the coordination and plan review of the various improvements that may impact the Glacier and Echo Road roadway project (Including proposed railway improvements at the proposed ethanol plant site).

The Board is also expected to receive regular reports from County Department Heads and act on a Class C Beer & Sunday sales permit for the 21st Century Co-op C Store, in Massena.

The Board of Supervisors in Adair County will meet 9-a.m. Wednesday, at the courthouse in Greenfield. On their agenda, is a Fiscal Year 2016 Financial Report from Auditor Mindy Schaefer, and FY 2016 Urban Renewal Report. The Board will also hear from Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater with regard to a longevity increase and Jailer/Dispatcher vacancy.

Adair County Engineer Nick Kauffman will report on the resignation of Weed Commissioner Jesse Decker, and job re-classification for Tyson Sickles from Engineering Tech to Engineering Tech/Safety Coordinator. The Board will then act on approving four Right-of-Way contracts. Kauffman will also present a report on his department’s regular maintenance and activities.

A man from Sidney was injured during an accident involving his bicycle and a pickup Monday afternoon, in Fremont County. The Iowa State Patrol reports 27-year old Brett Kissel, of Sidney, was transported by LifeNet Helicopter to Creighton University Hospital in Omaha, following a collision that happened at around 4:10-p.m., Monday.

Authorities say a 2004 Chevy pickup driven by 55-year old Arlene Smith, of Hamburg, was traveling east on Fillmore Street, in Sidney, when Kissel, who was riding a mountain bike northbound on Walnut Street, failed to stop at the posted intersection. His bike hit Smith’s pickup on the right front passenger fender and passenger door.

The accident remains under investigation. The Patrol was assisted at the scene by the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Sidney Fire and Rescue, and LifeNet Medical Helicopter.

The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office reports a Hancock man was arrested Monday evening on Domestic Assault with Injury, Obstruction of Emergency Communications, and Public Intoxication, charges. 36-year old Eric John Rehfeldt was taken into custody at around 8:20-p.m., following an incident involving his girlfriend, that occurred at a residence in the 100 block of N. Scott Street, in Hancock. The victim suffered minor injuries during the altercation.

The Sheriff’s Office reports also, 63-year old Bradley Robert Hunt, of Council Bluffs, was arrested Monday afternoon, following a traffic stop near the intersection of Garner Avenue and Railroad. Hunt was arrested on a valid felony warrant issued by Council Bluffs Police, for Ongoing Criminal Conduct and Theft in the 1st degree.

And, a Nebraska man was arrested Monday morning in Pottawattamie County, on charges of Theft in the 2nd Degree and Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana. A Deputy found 28-year old John C. Thirtle the 3rd, of Omaha, passed out in a pickup with a camper, near River Road and 130th Street. A check of the camper indicated it had been stolen from Omaha.