DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Preliminary figures show the number of voters to cast ballots in the primary election is the lowest in more than a decade. Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate says 187,969 voters cast ballots in the U.S. Senate primary on Tuesday, the only statewide race on the ballot. That represents 9.7 percent of the 1.9 million active registered voters. It’s the lowest number since 164,404 voters cast ballots in 2004, a year with no federal or statewide primary challenges.

Since 2000 statewide turnout has ranged from 16.6 percent in 2002 when there was a highly contested governor’s race to 9.5 percent in 2008, another year with no statewide primary races. Pate says the reason for low turnout this year may be voter apathy centered on frustration with government.

In a correction to our earlier posts and reports: Incumbent Republicans Todd Nelson and Rick Thompson received the most votes in the three-man race for the At Large seats on the Audubon County Board of Supervisors. Thompson received 711 votes (36.4%), while Nelson received 658 votes (33.7%). Doug Sorensen garnered 572 votes (29.3%).  (Earlier we had stated Nelson lost his bid for re-election. We apologize for the misunderstanding and error!)

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Office reports an investigation into an incident that took place early Monday morning at a business in Exira, has resulted in the arrest of 19-year old Jonathan Jamz Herron, of Exira. Herron was charged with Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree, Trepass and Disorderly Conduct. He was later released from the Audubon County Jail, after appearing before a Magistrate.

Officials with Sioux City’s “Operation Engage America” are inviting all area veterans, service members, military families and residents to a free open house resource fair event that takes place Saturday, June 18th, at the Long Lines Family Rec Center (401 Gordon Dr., Sioux City), from 1-until 4-p.m.

The Long Lines Center provides Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) resources, education and awareness. It brings together local veterans and their families, to connect them with resources and support for PTSD and TBI.

The open house features the Pledge of Allegiance at 1-p.m., June 18th, a musical performance by a member of the Siouxland Youth Chorus, and inspirational speakers, including Col. Timothy Glynn, Deputy Chief of Staff – Iowa Army National Guard. The afternoon will also include an optional workshop taught by local Siouxland veterans, and 12-year old Arika Hammond, who volunteers with the Puppy Jake Foundation. Approximately 30 organization vendors will also offer their resources, along with gift cards from local businesses.

For more information, go to www.operationengageamerica.org.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors today (Wednesday) approved the appointment of Roger Barbero, from Atlantic, to the Cass County Veterans Affairs Commission. Barbero was one of three men who were considered for the position. The others included John Behrens, of Atlantic, and Ralph Wickey, of Massena. Barbero served in the military from Sept. 1956 to Sept. 1962. He’ll serve on the Commission for a three-year term beginning July 1^st.

The Supervisors also approved a fireworks display permit for the Laverne Ackerman family, who live south of Atlantic along Highway 71 (630^th St.). Their family event will be held July 3^rd.

And, the Board received an update from Cass County Engineer Charles Marker, with regard to various bridge construction or repair projects, including a box culvert project for a bridge on Cass County Road N-28. He said the project should be completed by the middle of July.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports one person was transported to the Greater Regional Medical Center in Creston, following a single-vehicle accident Tuesday night. 33-year old Jamie Sobotka-Killion, of Creston, complained of pain and possible injury, after she swerved to miss a deer that ran out in front of her. The woman’s car entered the east ditch and came to rest, sustaining only minor damage. The accident  happened on northbound Highway 25 at around 9:40-p.m., Tuesday.

In a delayed report, the Mills County Sheriff’s Office says a Glenwood man was transported to Mercy Hospital by Glenwood Rescue, May 27th, following a collision at the intersection of Highway 34 and Kidd Road. Authorites say Barry Blasi, of Glenwood, was traveling west on Highway 34 in the right hand lane in a 2008 Ford. A 2001 VW driven by Aric Will, of Glenwood, was traveling north on Kidd Road.

Will pulled away from the stop sign and Highway 34 crossover to make a left turn onto Highway 34. He told authorities he didn’t see Blasi’s approaching Ford. The VW proceeded to turn left onto Highway 34 and hit the Ford in the right lane of westbound traffic. Following the collision, the Ford came to rest on its top.