Our cars are taking a beating as this winter’s freeze-thaw cycle is leading to deep potholes on virtually all of Iowa’s roads. A spokeswoman for the state’s largest auto insurer says smacking a pothole just right may do a lot more than rattle your teeth, as it can translate to an expensive repair bill. Ann Avery, at State Farm, offers a few tips for avoiding the bumps in the road.

“Try to take roads you know well because your familiarity may help you avoid the potholes and see them coming,” Avery says. “When driving at night, travel on well-lit roads, if you have the option, as it helps you see the surface so you’ll be able to see the pothole before you get to it.” It’s also an advantage to slow down and give yourself a chance to spot the pothole and avoid it before you’re in it.

“If you’re approaching a pothole and you can’t avoid it safely, do your braking before impact. There’s likely to be less damage when the tire is rolling rather than skidding over the hole,” Avery says. “If you do hit a pothole, take a good look at your tires and your wheels. If they have any damage, if the car is handling differently, if it’s ‘pulling’ one way or another, it might be time to get your car checked by a professional.” A close encounter with a road crater can lead to wrecked tires, dented wheels and suspension trouble.

“If you do have damage from a pothole, that can cost anywhere from $300 to 700 on average,” she says. Potholes can be a bigger hazard for motorcyclists. She recommends riders try to go around the chuckholes and to do so safely, you must be able to spot them from a distance. Slow down before reaching the obstacle and make sure you have enough room before changing direction.

(Radio Iowa)

COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa (AP) – An April trial has been scheduled for a Council Bluffs woman accused of conspiring to steal from a Wal-Mart store. Jeri Atilano pleaded not guilty Tuesday to theft, conspiracy and ongoing criminal conduct. Her trial is set to begin April 5th. Prosecutors say Atilano worked with a Wal-Mart cashier, Keisha Kephart, in buying items that Kephart would mark down for Atilano. Kephart also would take coupons that were for other items. The bogus transactions cost Wal-Mart more than $4,000.

The Daily Nonpareil reports that Kephart pleaded guilty Monday after making a deal with prosecutors that includes her agreement to testify against Atilano. Kephart was sentenced to two years of probation.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A Sioux City man accused of impersonating a police officer and enticing young girls and inappropriately touching them has been sentenced to seven years in prison. The Sioux City Journal reports that 31-year-old Joey Alberts pleaded guilty Wednesday to enticing away a minor, indecent contact with a child and three counts of impersonating a public official.

According to court documents, Alberts was arrested in March 2014 after authorities say he approached girls in 2012 and 2013, telling them he was a police officer. Alberts was accused of inappropriately touching two 13-year-old girls on separate occasions, and trying to lure a 12-year-old and 13-year-old girl into his car in separate incidents.

Alberts must register as a sex offender upon release from prison.