(Radio Iowa) – State Auditor Rob Sand has two main policy recommendations for the 2023 legislature. Sand is again asking lawmakers to raise the penalty for those convicted of significant crimes involving tax dollars. “Making large scale theft of public funds a mandatory prison sentence,” Sand says. Sand is also asking the legislature to change some wording in Iowa law that distinguishes between state agencies that get and spend federal money and those that don’t. “This one’s complicated, but the bottom line is the way the Iowa Code is written right now costs us federal dollars every year,” Sand says.

Under current state law, Sand says the state is paying what amounts to a federal government fine for audits of how federal tax dollars are spent by state government. “We’re talking about over $100,000 every year that we’re basically lighting on fire because the law hasn’t been amended,” Sand says.

Between July 1st of 2019 and June 30th of 2020, the State of Iowa spent or distributed more than $12 billion in federal funds. Staff is in the state auditor’s office always reviews how state agencies spend or distribute that money, along with the audits of how state tax dollars, fees and fines are spent.

(Radio Iowa) – It’s one of Iowa’s worst flu seasons in a decade, and a University of Iowa researcher whose two-year-old son died from influenza in early 2020 has helped develop an online game to teach children about about the flu and the importance of vaccines. UI biology professor Maurine Neiman is co-creator of the game, “Flu’s Clues,” where players try to determine which countries around the world are seeing flu outbreaks. “You travel virtually to these different places with potential outbreaks,” Neiman says, “and you get to interview local scientists or doctors to find out what they’re observing, what they’re seeing, and figure out for yourself, based on information that you’ve learned in the game, is what you’re seeing consistent with influenza.”

Once outbreaks are identified, players return to their virtual lab to work on creating a serum for the vaccine. “The overall objective is to help teach really anyone but the overt focus of the game is on kids about what influenza is and what it isn’t, why it’s something to take seriously,” Neiman says, “and how to protect yourself and your family and your community from the flu and, in particular, by vaccinating.”

Prof. Maurine Neiman (UI photo)

Neiman and the Iowa City Science Boosters Club teamed up with the Virginia-based non-profit organization Families Fighting Flu to create the game. “This is really exciting for us because a virtual setting, while it has its constraints, it also has its opportunities,” Neiman says. “In particular, you can reach many more people potentially across the country and even around the world.”

The game also contains important lessons about viruses in general, such as how to identify symptoms, determine differences between the flu and other viruses, and learn how vaccines are made.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – The Red Oak Police Department reports an arrest took place at around 9:41-p.m., Thursday. 49-year-old Donavan Lucius Sands, of Red Oak, was taken into custody in the 400 block of E. Washington Street, for Violation of a Protective Order. Sands was transported to the Montgomery County Jail, where he was being held without bond.

(Radio Iowa) – Construction of the front end of a new Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Ames is scheduled conclude in 2023. Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen says 80 percent of the lab’s operations were not included in phase one of the project, however.  “Phase Two is needed to provide an additional 70,000 square feet for laboratory testing, research and support functions,” she says. “Phase two is essential so all laboratory functions can be housed under one roof. This will improve efficiency and support biosafety by eliminating the need to shuttle samples from one building to another.”

Wintersteen is asking the governor and the state legislature to provide 62-and-a-half MILLION dollars over the next four years to complete the project. “The Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory provides absolutely vital support to Iowa’s $32.5 billion animal agriculture industry,” Wintersteen says. The existing facility was built in 1976. About 30 faculty and staff processed about 35-thousand tests a year. There are now 160 faculty and staff crowded into the existing building and this year they will process more than one-point-seven million tests — the largest caseload in the U.S.

“It is the only full service and fully accredited lab of its kind in Iowa,” Wintersteen says. “It holds Tier 1 status in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network for the major role it plays in the major role it plays in foreign animal and emerging diseases.” For example, the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab was the first to diagnose and pinpoint the origin of an intestinal disease that’s deadly in young pigs.

The lab is part of Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine — one of only 33 veterinary colleges in the country and the very first public veterinary college established in the U.S.

(Red Oak, Iowa) – A man was taken into custody on a charge of 5th Degree Theft, Thursday, following an incident at the Red Oak Fareway Store. Red Oak Police say officers responded at around 12:16-p.m. following a call from a store employee about a suspected shoplifter. Officers found evidence 41-year-old Jared Michael Nyquist, of Red Oak, allegedly took a 750ml bottle of Windsor Canadian Whiskey, worth about 10-dollars.

The investigation determined Nyuist placed the bottle in his coat with the alleged intent to conceal the booze. A store worker witnessed the incident and confronted Nyquist, when he asked for an application to work for the store. Nyquist was subsequently arrested and transported to the Montgomery County Jail, where his bond was set at $300.

The Montgomery County (IA) Sheriff’s Department reports a woman from southeast Iowa was arrested Thursday afternoon, following a traffic stop. 32-year-old Siearre J’Ahea Smith, of Agency, was stopped for having expired plates on her vehicle from December, 2021. She was taken into custody on six counts of Driving While Barred and was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $2,000 bond.

(Massena, Iowa) – The Cass County Conservation Board (CCCB) will host an “Intro to Ice Fishing” program, on January 14, 2023 at 10-a.m.. The event takes place at the Outdoor Classroom shelter, located at 76977 Tucson Rd, near Massena. The program will focus on ice fishing basics; what is needed to get out on the ice and enjoy the outdoors. We will go over ice safety and the necessary equipment needed to be safe.

Conservation Director Micah Lee says “We will also go over rods, reels, lines, augers, and bait as well as many extras such as shelters, electronics, clothing. CCCB staff will have examples on hand to show you how it works and the best ways to use it.” 

In addition, Lee says there will be “A drawing for those that attend, at the end of the event for a chance to win an ice fishing package to get you out on the ice and fishing. Depending on weather and ice conditions, following the program there will be a chance to go fishing as well. The CCCB will have ice rods, bait, and augers available for those that don’t have them.”

For further information please contact Conservation Director Micah Lee at 712-769-2372.

(Adair, Iowa) – A collision this (Thursday) morning in northwestern Adair County claimed life of a 36-year-old man from neighboring Cass County. The Iowa State Patrol reports Adam Skog, of Atlantic, died from his injuries when the 2018 Chevy Cruze he was driving, for some reason crossed the centerline of northbound White Pole Road (Highway 6), and was struck head-on, by a southbound 2003 Peterbilt semi tractor-trailer.

The accident happened at around 9:19-a.m. near the Jesse James Historical Monument southwest of Adair, just south of Interstate 80. Skog died at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt. The driver of the semi, 30-year-old Cody Hughes, of Scranton, was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation.

Iowa chapter of C.O.P.S. encourages donors to give blood

December 29, 2022 — This January, the American Red Cross, Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), and the Iowa chapter of C.O.P.S are joining forces to boost the blood supply and help save lives through a series of Blue Blood Drives.  C.O.P.S. provides resources to help families and co-workers of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty cope with the sacrifices of their loved ones. This partnership provides members a meaningful way to support the community by hosting blood drives across the nation and raising awareness about the constant need for blood.

Eligible donors are invited to make a difference through this special partnership by giving blood at various locations throughout Iowa. These locations include:

• 1/9/2023: American Legion Post 735 (207 Robins, Rd., Hiawatha, Iowa), Noon-5 p.m.
• 1/10/2023: St. Mary’s Hall (102 East Penn St., Williamsburg, Iowa), 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
• 1/10/2023: Community Reformed Church (747 B, N. 12^th St., Clinton, Iowa), 1-6 p.m.
• 1/10/2023: Quad County Admin Office (300 Crawford, Galva, Iowa), 1-6 p.m.
• 1/10/2023: First Christian Church (201 W. Monroe, Mount Ayr, Iowa), 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• 1/11/2023: Iowa City Library (123 South Linn St., Iowa City, Iowa), Noon-4 p.m.
• 1/11/2023: The Crew Center (601 Snyder Road, Woodbine, Iowa), Noon-6 p.m.
• 1/11/2023: Lewis Community Center (400 W. Main St., Lewis, Iowa), Noon-5:30 p.m.
• 1/12/2023: Berndes Center (766 N. Maple St., Monticello, Iowa), 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• 1/12/2023: Atlantic YMCA (1100 Maple St., Atlantic, Iowa), Noon-6 p.m.
• 1/12/2023: Community Center (202 W. South St. Greene, Iowa), 1-6 p.m.
• 1/13/2023: Boyd Building (303 Cherry St., Shell Rock, Iowa), Noon-5 p.m.
• 1/14/2023: St. Patrick Catholic Church (4 Valley View Dr., Council Bluffs, Iowa), 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

January is National Blood Donor Month, a time that can be challenging to collect enough blood for patients in need. Severe winter weather and seasonal illnesses can often prevent regular donors from being able to give. The traditional decline in blood donations during the winter months come as the blood supply already faces challenges created by the coronavirus pandemic. Required medical treatments and emergencies don’t pause for a widespread coronavirus outbreak. “The Iowa chapter of C.O.P.S is happy to partner with the Red Cross to help keep the blood supply stable during the winter months,” said, Lieutenant Brent Kock, Patrol Division, West Des Moines Police Department. Additionally, January 9 has been dedicated as National Law Enforcement Day. For questions on the Iowa chapter for C.O.P.S., please contact Lieutenant Brent Kock at 515-222-3357.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, from a computer or mobile device. To get started and learn more, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site.

The American Red Cross and the National Football League (NFL) are partnering this January during National Blood Donor Month to invite football fans and blood donors to join a lifesaving team and score big for patients in need. All who come to give Jan. 1-31, 2023, will be automatically entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVII in Arizona. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.

About C.O.P.S.

Concerns of Police Survivors is a nationwide not-for-profit organization that has held the mission of rebuilding shattered lives for 35 years. With 55 chapters across the country, members of C.O.P.S. are always prepared to help survivors when they need it, where they need it. C.O.P.S. has a national membership comprised of more than 48,000 families who have identified themselves as survivors. Unfortunately, that membership continues to grow as an average of 140-160 officers die each year in the line of duty.