IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – Newly released FBI memos detail a sensitive investigation into fundraising in the Carter White House that started with a comparison to Watergate but fizzled after uncovering no criminal wrongdoing.  The memos were released from the file of Charles Manatt, an Iowa native and top Democratic Party official who was interviewed during the investigation. The records became public after Manatt, who grew up on an Audubon farm and graduated from Iowa State University, died last year in Virginia at age 75.
 
Experts say the memos provide an intriguing look at one of the first major campaign finance investigations after Watergate. FBI agents investigated whether Carter or his aides improperly solicited donations from prominent business leaders during a White House meeting, but found no evidence to support an anonymous source’s claim.

The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office reports a Panora man was arrested last weekend, after he allegedly displayed a weapon during a domestic disturbance at Lake Panorama. 51-year old Peter Aldrich Kelloway, II, was charged with Domestic Assault with intent and/or display of a weapon, one-count of Child Endangerment without injury, and two-counts of Assault with the use or display of a weapon. Kelloway was released from custody Monday on a $500 bond, with orders to appear in court for his preliminary hearing on Feb. 23^rd. 

Sheriff’s officials say they received a 9-1-1 call at around 1:30-a.m. Sunday, February 5^th, regarding a domestic issue, from a residence at the lake. When a deputy arrived on the scene, he observed Kelloway allegedly displaying a shotgun, and called for back-up. Troopers with the Iowa State Patrol, along with officers from the Guthrie Center and Panora Police Departments responded, but Kelloway was taken into custody without incident.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says a cow was killed, but no one was injured, when a pickup collided with the animal Thursday evening, in Stanton. Sheriff Joe Sampson says Jason Poston, of Villisca, was traveling south on Q Avenue just before 5-p.m., when he topped a hill south of 230th Street, and came upon cattle on the road.

Poston, who is the President of the Villisca School Board, was unable to avoid the animals, because there was a railroad overpass in the victinity. The 2009 Chevy Silverado pickup he was driving hit one of the cows, which rolled to the bottom of a bank next to the railroad tracks.

The owner of the cows, Kit Johnson, of Stanton, was contacted by the Montgomery County Communications Center and notified about the accident. Johnson told authorities he knew the cattle were out, and had been attempting to corral them. Officials with the Burlington Northern Railroad were also notified. Poston’s pickup sustained $9,000 damage. The black cow his pickup struck, was valued at $1,000.

After weeks of low influenza levels in Iowa, the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports statewide surveillance indicates flu activity is increasing. The flu season typically peaks in February and can last as late as May.  IDPH Deputy Epidemiologist, Dr. Ann Garvey says “If you have flu symptoms, help out your family, friends and co-workers by staying home to avoid spreading the virus. It’s also important to remember to cover your coughs and sneezes and clean your hands frequently to help yourself and others stay healthy.” IDPH recommends all Iowans age 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine. Getting vaccinated now will offer protection throughout the flu season, and will also help keep those traveling over Spring Break healthy as they visit areas where flu levels may be higher.

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses and is among the top 10 causes of death in Iowa. It spreads easily from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. The flu comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days. Influenza may cause severe illness or complications in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions.

Contact your health care provider or local health department to find out where the vaccine is available in your community. More information about influenza can be found at www.idph.state.ia.us/Cade/Influenza.aspx.