Forecasters say a wide section of Iowa may get walloped by its first significant snowstorm later today (Friday), so motorists need to take a few precautions, pronto. Ann Avery, the Iowa spokeswoman for State Farm Insurance, says an emergency kit is a must for your vehicle’s trunk. “With the first snowfall of the season coming and Thanksgiving travel beginning for many families, now is a great time to think about looking in your trunk and taking out the things you’ve been using all summer that you won’t be using this winter and making sure you have emergency travel supplies,” Avery says, “so if you are on the road and something unexpected happens, you will be prepared.”

There are several staples that should be in everyone’s vehicle, before the winter winds start whipping. “Some of the things include: jumper cables and making sure you have an ice scraper back in the car,” Avery says. “Check the spare tire, make sure it’s in the car and that it’s at the proper inflation. Be sure you have blankets, extra warm clothing. A cell phone charger — we depend on that cell phone. If you get into an emergency, make sure you are able to charge it.”

Other helpful items to have handy include: road salt or cat litter to help with tire traction, a flashlight (with working batteries), matches or a lighter, duct tape, a small tool kit and a tow strap. Avery offers a few more suggestions. “A first aid kit, water, food that won’t expire in the trunk, and crucial medications,” Avery says. “If you should get caught and stuck on the side of the road, you want to make sure you have those medications.” If there’s a teenage driver under your roof, Avery says you should talk to them about the importance of this kit.

“Our information shows a lot of teens reported not having all the necessary supplies they need in their trunk,” Avery says. “Check the car the teen is using as well. Have them put the emergency kit together with you so they see what goes into it and understand why it’s all there.” Other items that you might consider for your emergency kit are: a hazard triangle with reflectors, flares, a brightly-colored flag or “HELP” sign, and a tarp for sitting or kneeling in the snow for doing exterior work like a tire change.

(Radio Iowa)

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa officials say more than 12,000 Medicaid service providers have signed necessary paperwork to offer care under the state’s proposed privatization plan. Governor Terry Branstad’s office said Thursday the four private companies scheduled to oversee Medicaid services on January 1st signed the contracts since November 1st. The Iowa Department of Human Services says there are more than 17,200 active providers available to offer Medicaid services.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A former lottery security officer in Iowa convicted of rigging a Hot Lotto game to win a $14 million jackpot also allegedly fixed a lottery game in Oklahoma in 2011. Iowa Assistant Attorney General Rob Sand mentioned the Oklahoma allegation during a hearing Wednesday. It’s the fourth lottery game Eddie Tipton is alleged to have fixed. Tipton was convicted in July of fraud for a 2010 Iowa Hot Lotto game.

NEWTON, Iowa (AP) — Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is voicing support for creating a mandatory database to track Muslims in the United States following the Paris attacks by Islamic State militants. Trump told NBC News between campaign events in Newton, Iowa Thursday evening that he would “absolutely” implement such a system.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Fran McCaffrey won his 350th career game and Peter Jok scored 20 points to lead six players in double figures as Iowa cruised past Marquette 89-61 Thursday night. Jarrod Uthoff scored 15 points and several other players were in double digits for Iowa.

The first statewide, bipartisan Iowa Youth Caucus was held Thursday night. There were 22 counties participating in the Youth Caucus. The events were organized by Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate’s Office, in conjunction with the Republican Party of Iowa and the Iowa Democratic Party. Iowa high school and middle school students took part in both a Republican and Democratic mock caucus, and cast votes for the presidential candidate of their choice for both parties. More than 1,600 students registered to take part in the Iowa Youth Caucus.

Secretary of State Paul Pate said “I hope this was a fun, educational event for the students that will spur them to become involved and participate in civics in their community. I’d like to thank the Republican and Democratic parties in each county for organizing this event and showing their dedication to Iowa’s youth.”

The statewide and local results are below:

REPUBLICANS: Jeb Bush – 7.52% Ben Carson – 22.35% Chris Christie – 2.57% Ted Cruz – 8.34% Carly Fiorina – 5.25% Mike Huckabee – 1.34% Bobby Jindal – 0.93% John Kasich – 2.27% George Pataki – 0.82% Rand Paul – 14.01% Marco Rubio – 14.83% Rick Santorum – 2.27% Donald Trump – 15.25% Other/Write-in – 1.54% Total participants: 971

DEMOCRATS: Hillary Clinton – 14.74% Martin O’Malley – 24.09% Bernie Sanders – 52.74% Uncommitted – 8.43% Total participants: 984 *

Jones County held their Youth Caucus last month. Those results are included in the total. Scott County’s will take place December 5.

Here are the results for Cass County:

REPUBLICANS Jeb Bush – 5% Chris Christie – 6.67% Ted Cruz – 15% Mike Huckabee – 5% Rand Paul – 10% Marco Rubio – 31.67% Rick Santorum – 1.67% Donald Trump – 25%.  60 participants

DEMOCRATS Hillary Clinton – 7.95% Martin O’Malley – 5.68% Bernie Sanders – 47.73% Uncommitted – 38.64%.  88 participants.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Iowa officials say more than 12,000 Medicaid service providers have signed necessary paperwork to offer care under the state’s proposed privatization plan. Gov. Terry Branstad’s office said Thursday the four private companies scheduled to oversee Medicaid services on Jan. 1 signed the contracts since Nov. 1st.

The Iowa Department of Human Services says there are more than 17,200 active providers available to offer Medicaid services. Sen. Joe Bolkcom, a Democrat from Iowa City, said the figure shows low participation. He and other Democrats have been public about seeking a delay of the switch. They question the state’s preparedness, while Branstad and other state officials have said Iowa will be ready on time.

Iowa’s $4.2 billion Medicaid program provides care to low-income and needy people, including children and disabled individuals.

The Harlan Police Department has released a report on arrests that took place last week On Nov. 10th, 63-year old Gary Lee Anderson, of Harlan, was arrested following a confrontation with Magistrate William Early at the Shelby County Courthouse. Anderson was arrested the next day and taken to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with assault – displaying a dangerous weapon.

And on Nov. 13th, 31-year old Michelle Longcor, of Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop. Longcor was charged with unlawful possession of prescription drugs. Longcor was cited, given a court date and released.

Nicholas Hunt, Chair of the Cass County Community Foundation, has announced that $28,800 was awarded this week to Cass County nonprofit agencies. With these grants, the Cass County Community Foundation has distributed more than $1.2 million in grants and scholarships over the last 15 years.

The following nonprofit organizations, which submitted applications to the Cass County Community Foundation by the September 1st deadline, were awarded grants by the Cass County Board of Directors:
Organization                                Project                                                   Grant

• Anita Child Care Center – Playground sound wall and picnic tables $1,000
• Anita Health & Wellness Center – Nustep Cross Trainer machine $1,500
• Ann W. Wickman Child Development Center – Replace worn toys and furniture $5,000
• Atlantic Rock Island Society – Install suspended ceiling in American Legion Memorial Hall for donated lighting $2,000
• Cass County Historical Museum – Install hinged storm windows and repair cornices $2,500
• City of Anita – Construct food pantry building $3,500
• Cumberland Public Library – Bookshelves and folding table $1,000
• Friends of the Griswold Public Library – Laminator and cart $3,000
• Friends of the Outdoor Classroom – Complete educational building improvements $4,300
• Massena Historical Society – Repair roof of Heritage Park one-room schoolhouse $2,000
• Kids Come First Child Care – Install a playground shade $2,000
• Southwest Iowa Mental Health Center – Automated blood pressure cuffs $1,000

The total includes $1,500 for the Cass County Historical Museum and $1,125 for the Friends of the Griswold Public Library from the Griswold Community Development Endowed Fund, and $500 from the Triumph Endowed Fund for Cass County for the Friends of the Outdoor Classroom.

All grantees met the criteria as Cass County nonprofit agencies or organizations with charitable missions in the areas of civic, cultural, health, education and social services. Only organizations providing services in Cass County were eligible. Cass County agency representatives received their checks on November 18th.

For information about donating or establishing an individual foundation/fund, please contact any of the Board Members, or call Dennis Nissen, Iowa Foundations Director, at 800-794-3458.

Officials with Hy-Vee in Atlantic announced on their social media page that a Mega Millions ticket worth $15,000 was sold at the store for last Tuesday’s drawing. If you purchased a MegaMillions ticket from the Atlantic Hy-Vee for the Nov. 17th drawing, check you numbers. The winning combination was 12-14-18-24-61 and the MegaBall was 10. The Megaplier number was 3.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Bankers continue to predict the economy will slow in the months ahead in rural parts of 10 Western and Plains states. The economic index for the region slipped to 43.7 in November from last month’s 44.4. The overall index is based on a monthly survey of rural bankers Creighton University conducts, and organizers say any score below 50 suggests that factor will decline.

Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says low crop and commodity prices and manufacturing slowdowns are all weighing down the economy. The confidence index fell to a weak 38.9 in November from October’s 42.1. The strong U.S. dollar is also hurting exports.

Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – The Sioux City Gateway Airport Board of Trustees has endorsed United Airlines’ bid to replace American Airlines as the airport’s only carrier.
The Sioux City Journal reports that United and American are competing for a two-year federal contract to fly at least 13 routes per week between Sioux City and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. United asked for a subsidy of about $324,000 per year, while American requested $1.26 million annually.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is taking public comments on the two proposals through Dec. 7. The airport board’s support for United’s proposal likely will weigh heavily in the federal agency’s deliberations. The contract will be awarded early next year. Sioux City Mayor Bob Scott says the city council will back the airport board’s decision.

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

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