Iowa ranks as the eighth worst state for hail damage in 2014, according to an insurance company survey. Ann Avery, spokeswoman for State Farm, says Iowa had more than 12-thousand-800 hail claims last year for home and auto policyholders. Avery says if you’re considering remodeling your home or building a new one, impact-resistant roofing may be a good option.

“This is a product that can be your first line of defense against hail damage,” Avery says. “These are shingles that are designed to withstand hail and perhaps reduce the risk of hail damage. It prolongs the life of your roof. That’s something to consider and ask about if you’re thinking about that.” If the weather forecast calls for the potential of hail, Avery says to take common sense precautions with your vehicle.

“Park your car in a garage or a carport,” Avery says. “Avoid parking under a tree where branches can fall on your vehicle. Also, good tree pruning can prevent a lot of the problems associated with a hail storm. Removing dead, diseased or damaged plant parts can reduce the possibility of future storm damage.”

Nationwide, hail claims cost State Farm more than two-point-four billion dollars in 2014. While Iowa was 8th on the list, Texas was the most expensive state for hail damage with more than 51-thousand claims. Rounding out the top five: Illinois, Colorado, Missouri and Nebraska.

(Radio Iowa)

The Trevor Frederickson Memorial Fund has donated $1000 to the Atlantic Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Fund spokesperson Melanie Petty say the money is to help the PTO with their final phase of purchasing new computers for Washington School.

The mini IPads will be used for research, reading skills, Iowa core programs and 21st century programs. The fund also donated $5000 to the Atlantic Little League for a new playground the group is adding this spring.

Petty says “It is our hope that we will be able to continue to donate to worthy projects in the Atlantic area that meet our mission statement.” She said also, “The community support of our annual golf tournament makes this a reality every year. We look forward to another huge event this year on August 8th when we hold our 7th Annual TFred Memorial Golf Tournament at Nishna Hills Golf Course.”

One person was arrested, and one non-injury accident was investigated Thursday, in Creston. Authorities say 25-year old Natasha Campbell, of Creston, was arrested at around 3:20-p.m. at 806 Laurel Street, and charged with Theft in the 4th Degree. Campbell was later released from the Union County Jail on $1,000 bond.

And, an accident that happened at around 11:40-a.m. at the intersection of South Elm and Highway 34 in Creston caused a total of $2,800, but no one was hurt. Officials say vehicle driven by 67-year old Jeannittie Todd, of Maloy, and 16-year old Brooke Hague, of Creston, collided as both drivers were traveling south on S. Elm Street.

When Todd stopped her 2007 Jeep at the intersection, Hague, who authorities say was following too closely, failed to stop her 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix in-time. Her car hit the left rear corner of the Jeep. No citations were issued.

A routine traffic stop late Thursday night in Villisca resulted in the arrest of a local woman on a drug charge. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office says 46-year old Claudia Elizabeth Schubert, of Villisca, faces a Possession of a Controlled Substance, charge.

The woman was arrested during the course of a traffic stop at around 11-p.m., after the Montgomery County K9 “Rex” alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from Schubert’s 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The vehicle was searched and a controlled substance was found. Schubert was being held in the Montgomery County Jail on $1,000 bond.