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 forecast calls for the hottest weather of the year so far to arrive in Iowa tomorrow (Thursday), which happens to coincide with Heat Awareness Day. Meteorologist Kenny Podrazik, at the National Weather Service, says it’s not officially summertime yet, but it’ll sure feel like it. “We’ll be up into the low 90s Thursday, and then Friday and into the weekend, we’ll be well into the mid 90s on Friday, Saturday and even into Sunday,” Podrazik says. “Sunday it may be a little cooler, but it’ll be nice and hot.”

Podrazik says Heat Awareness Day is a time to remind Iowans about the steamy season ahead and how to conduct best themselves. “Never leave kids or pets unattended when the car is off,” he says. “Limit strenuous outdoor activities. Find shade. Always stay hydrated. If you work outside, the biggest thing is to take breaks in the shade.”

The first day of summer is June 20th. Find more information about Heat Awareness Day at www.weather.gov/dmx

(Radio Iowa)

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.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports three people have been arrested on drug charges. On Sunday, 40-year old Jessica Lynn Brooks, of Logan, was arrested for Possession with the intent to deliver over 5 grams of a controlled substance, Unlawful Possession of prescription drugs and violation of the drug tax stamp.

On June 2nd, 30-year Randal Neal Yochum was arrested for Possession of a controlled Substance. And, on June 1st, 19-year old Collin Earl Robert McDowell, of Malvern, was arrested for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

The Mills County Sheriff’s Office reports numerous other arrests took place over the past week. On Tuesday, 18-year old David Patrick Robertson, of Boys Town, NE, was arrested for Assault on a Peace Officer.Robertson was also charged by Glenwood Police, with felony Criminal Mischief, Domestic Abuse Assault, Aggravated Assault, Interference with Official Acts, and Trespassing. His bond was set at $10,000.

; Monday, Mills County Deputies arrested 64-year old Robert Allen Sanders, of Glenwood, for OWI/1st offense and striking an unattended vehicle. Sunday night, 39-year old Timothy Jerald Gustin, of Glenwood, was arrested for Harassment.  Saturday morning, 33-year old Melissa Ann Haley, of Malvern, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault. That same day, 45-year old John Martin Roberson, of Henderson, was arrested for Public Intoxication.

On June 3rd, 28-year old April Jean Lightly, of Clarinda, was arrested for Driving Under Suspension. May 31st, 26-year old Marshall Orin Arms, of Hastings, was arrested on a warrant for OWI/1st offense, and Leaving the Scene of an accident. May 30th, Mills County deputies arrested 31-year old Justin Brian Williams, of Tabor, for OWI/2nd offense. On May 28th, 43-year old Salvador Aguilar-Martinez, of Omaha, was arrested for OWI/1st offense. That same day, 49-year old Carl David Galvin, of Glenwood, was arrested for Violation of an Order/contempt of court. 40-year old Dawn Aleene Anderson, of Hastings, was arrested for Driving Under Suspension, and Failure to Maintain or use seat belts. And, 18-year old Matthew Laine Walliser, of Council Bluffs, was arrested May 28th for Driving Under Suspension, Failure to File SR-22,m and Minor in Possession.

More area and State news from KJAN News Director Ric Hanson.

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The Creston Police Department received two reports of vandalism, recently. On Tuesday, a resident in the 600 block of N. Elm Street reported her shed was vandalized sometime between 8:45- and 10-p.m., Tuesday, and air was let out of her vehicles’ tires. The damage was estimated at $100. And, a resident of Prescott reported a padlock was cut-off of a shed in the 500 block of S. Vine Street in Creston. The incident happened sometime between 3-p.m. Sunday and 3-p.m. Tuesday. A Stihl 18-inch chainsaw and Stihl weed eater were stolen. The loss was estimated at $260.

Creston Police said also, 44-year old Shane Jeromie Hoyle, of Creston, was arrested Tuesday night for Public Intoxication, second-offense. He was later released from the Union County Jail on a $1,000 cash bond.

Police in Red Oak are investigating a hit-and-run accident that took place sometime between 10:30-p.m. Tuesday and 5:45-a.m. today (Wednesday). Authorities say a 2001 Ford Taurus was legally parked in the 1100 block of N. 2nd Street, when an unknown vehicle collided with the left rear corner of the car, causing about $2,000 damage.

There is no information available as to the make and model of the vehicle responsible for the incident. If you may have seen the accident or have information regarding the incident, call the Red Oak Police Department at 712-623-6500.