Iowa House Speaker Select Linda Upmeyer (A Republican from Clear Lake) has announced that Representative Tom Moore (Republican from Griswold) will serve as the Vice Chairman of the House Education budget subcommittee. Upmeyer said “As a former teacher, Representative Moore will continue to make education a priority in the state budget.”

Moore will also serve on the Education, Environmental Protection, Human Resources and State Government committees. Moore was recently elected State Representative in a special election for House District 21 in earlier this month. The appointments become effective at the start of the next legislative session, which begins January 11, 2016.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest on Dec. 22nd, of 19-year old Brandon Lane Barrett, of Afton. Barrett was taken into custody at the Union County Law Enforcement Center, on a Union County warrant for probation violation. He was being held in the Union County Jail without bond.

And, deputies in Union County investigated two, separate accidents on Dec. 24th. At around 12:20-a.m., pickup trucks driven by 20-year old Dylan Hudson, of Arispe, and 21-year old Brandon Parsons, of Diagonal, were rounding a curve westbound on 240th Street in Union County, when both vehicles went out of control.

Hudson’s 1995 Dodge Ram 2500 entered the ditch and hit a tree. Parsons’ 1998 Chevy K1500 followed the Dodge into the ditch and hit the side of Hudsons’ pickup. Hudson complained of pain and was transported to the hospital in Creston. No citations were issued. Damage from the crash amounted to $10,000.

The second accident happened at around 10:20-a.m. Thursday, in Creston. Authorities say 17-year old Elijah Hoyt, of Orient, was traveling south on Cherry Street Road, when a non-contact vehicle in front of him began to slow. Hoyt told deputies he applied his brakes and lost control of the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee he was driving, because of snow on the road.

The SUV skidded into the northbound lane and hit a 2007 Chevy Cobalt, driven by 20-year old Justin Queener, of Creston. The SUV then entered a ditch, while the car spun around and came to rest in the northbound lane, facing south. Both drivers were wearing their seat belts.

Queener suffered from minor/possible injuries, and was transported by ambulance to the Creston hospital. Authorities say Hoyt was cited for Failure to provide proof of insurance/accident-related.

MAURICE, Iowa (AP) – A northwest Iowa day care operator has been charged with child endangerment involving a toddler in her care. A news release from the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office says 32-year-old Dianna Winder also was charged last week with assaulting the 15-month-old boy at her home day care in Maurice. No details about how the injuries occurred have been released.

The Sheriff’s Office says an investigation began in November, after a health care provider reported suspicions about the boy’s injuries.

The end of one year and beginning of another is the traditional season of resolutions. Often, these resolutions focus on better health. Many Iowans resolve to lose weight, quit smoking, or commit to another healthy lifestyle change. Unfortunately, setting goals too high or expecting too much too soon can lead to disappointment.

“It’s not a sign of personal defeat to find you are unable to stick to all the big plans you had for better health,” said Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “Common mistakes in setting goals include making them too big, too high, or not specific enough to actually complete. It’s better to take small steps.” With each small victory, Quinlisk says you’ll find greater motivation to continue your journey to good health.

“There are simple resolutions we can all keep,” said Quinlisk. “If you do each of these things every day, you’ll be on your way to better health.” Quinlisk’s Five Simple Rules for 2016 include:

Drink one glass of water before each meal – research shows this easy action increases hydration and decreases hunger.
Stand up once every hour at a minimum – studies show that sitting for long periods may be as damaging to your health as smoking.
Eat one fruit or vegetable with each meal – you’ll add fiber and anti-oxidants to every meal.
Walk for at least 15 minutes or more every day – an easy way to add exercise to your daily routine.
Stand on one foot while brushing teeth – it’s harder than it sounds! You’ll improve balance and strengthen core muscles.

For more tips on healthy eating, exercises, and wellness, connect socially with IDPH on Facebook at www.facebook.com/IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth; on Twitter at www.twitter.com/IAPublicHealth; and on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/iapublichealth.