DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today said this weekend will kick-off the prime strawberry picking season that many strawberry lovers have been waiting for all year.  Reports from growers around the state show that strawberries are maturing a little slower this year due to the cooler weather, but many farmers are saying that this year’s strawberry crop may be among their best. 

“Mid-June looks to be the peak of the Iowa strawberry season this year, so the next few weeks will be a great time to visit a ‘You Pick’ farm in your area or shop for them at your local farmers market,” Northey said.  “Fresh strawberries are delicious and when they are in season you get the best flavor, prices and nutritional value.”

It is good to call or check the farms website before going to a “You Pick” farm to make sure strawberries are prime for the picking and the conditions are favorable.  To find strawberry farms in your area visit www.IowaAgriculture.gov<http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/>. 

To store strawberries put unwashed berries loosely covered with plastic wrap in the coldest part of your refrigerator for no more than 3 days.  Do not wash berries until you are ready to eat them.  To wash them place berries in a colander and rinse under cold water.  Remove the green cap after you have washed them. Strawberries are one of the world’s most popular fruits being consumed by 94% of all U.S. households.    They are also a healthy option, serving as a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, are low in calories and fat-free.

Strawberries are not only nutritious and delicious but they are also one of the most versatile fruits.  Used as a sweet treat or combined with spinach in a salad, strawberries add scrumptious flavor and color to any dish. “While strawberries are one of the healthiest fruits you can eat, they also have one of the shortest harvest seasons so don’t delay in getting your fill,” Northey said.

(Press Release: IA Dept. of Ag)

(DES MOINES) – Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed an emergency disaster proclamation relating to Iowa’s transportation systems within the six counties named in yesterday’s emergency disaster proclamation: Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie and Woodbury.

In signing the declaration, Gov. Branstad triggered the following actions:
*        Iowa regulatory provisions pertaining to hours of service for drivers providing flood response have been suspended.

*        Certain weight limit provisions have also been suspended for loads related to flood response moved on Iowa roadways, excluding the interstate.

*        Other regulations that restrict movement of oversize and overweight loads of livestock, soybeans, corn, hay, straw, and stover have been suspended.

*        Additional regulations related to operating authority registration and fuel tax reporting, as well as medical cards and minimum age requirements for commercial drivers engaged in flood response are suspended.

Drivers and commercial motor carriers are advised to review the proclamation for complete details and terms of the suspensions.

Flood updates are available at http://Governor.Iowa.Gov and www.IowaHomelandSecurity.org<http://www.IowaHomelandSecurity.org>.

Authorities in Guthrie County investigated a drug store break-in last week. According to the Guthrie Center Times, the incident occurred during the early morning hours of May 26^th, at Dowd Healthmart Drug in downtown Guthrie Center.

Store owner Jim Vandevanter said the front door to the business was broken, and the thief or thieves targeted a specific section where controlled drugs were stored. No cash or other merchandise was reported missing, and the building sustained no additional damage.

Anyone with any information regarding the crime is asked to contact Guthrie Center Police.

Authorities in Guthrie Center report also, a Panora teen was cited this past Monday for failure to maintain control, after he swerved to avoid a dog in the road and hit two parked cars. The accident happened just before 11-p.m.

Officials said 18-year old Garrett Eivins, of Panora, was driving a 2008 Chevy Cobalt on what‘s known locally as “Tank Hill,” when the accident occurred. When he swerved, his car hit a legally parked 1994 Pontiac Sunbird registered to Adam Dooley, of Panora, and a 2000 Buick LeSabre owned by Chuck and Tasha Tromp.

Damage from the mishap amounted to $9,500.

Police in Creston report six Creston teens were arrested this week for possessing alcohol under the legal age. 18 year old’s Dakota Nile Kaufman and Casey Michael Bird, 17 year old Hannah Kathryn Perrigo, 16 year old’s Josh Robert Willis and Kami Hilton, and 15 year old Ridge Allen Casteel, were arrested Wednesday night, cited, and later released to the custody of their parents. On a related note, 35-year old Amy Louise Kimball, of Creston, was charged Thursday with “Keeping a Disorderly House.” The woman was issued a citation to appear in court.

Police in Creston report also, 15-year old Jacob Davis and 14-year old Adam Edward Lee Austin, along with Taran Paul Alexander Austin, all from Creston, were referred to juvenile authorities after allegedly interfering with official acts on May 31^st.

Harold Surrell

Sheriff’s officials in Adams County said today (Friday), a Corning man was arrested Wednesday on sex abuse charges. 71-year old Harold Surrell surrendered to authorities Wednesday night. He was charged with three counts each of Sexual Abuse in the 2^nd Degree and Lascivious Acts with a Child. The charges stem from an incident which allegedly occurred on May 20^th. Surrell was being held in the Adams County Jail on $100,000 cash only bond.

31-year old Jessica Oathoudt, of Corning, was arrested today (Friday), for Violation of a Protective Order, after statements were received that she was violating a protective order issued from her previous charge of Sexual Abuse in the 3^rd Degree. She was originally arrested April 8^th, after authorities investigated allegations Oathoudt had a sexual relationship with a 15-year old male.

The sheriff’s office reports also, the arrest this (Friday) morning, of 46-year old Shawn Enarson, of Massena. Enarson was taken into custody at around 1:15-a.m. and charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), after being involved in an accident in Carbon.

Atlantic Police report this (Friday) morning, the arrest of 18-year old Michael Riley, of Griswold. Riley has been charged with Drug Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was booked into the Cass County Jail and held, pending an appearnce before the magistrate.

Gov. Terry E. Branstad today (Friday), announced that he will embark on a 43-city “Working Together for a Better Future” tour that will take him across the state. The tour will launch Monday, June 6th, following the administration’s weekly press conference.

Branstad says quote — “We have offered a budget reconciliation that improves Iowa’s long-term sustainability, and it will take all of us working together in order to ensure Iowa’s future growth. I look forward to traveling the state to discuss the state’s budget and our plans to restore honest budgeting practices. The tour will provide Iowans information regarding my administration’s plan to build a strong fiscal foundation for the future and create jobs in Iowa.”

The events are free and open to the public. In western Iowa, Branstad will hold his “Working together…” tour at the Council Bluffs Airport terminal building (101 McCandless Lane), on Monday, June 6^th, beginning at 11-a.m.

For more information please visit www.governor.iowa.govhttp://www.governor.iowa.gov.