DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Officials say a fire at a Des Moines towing company has destroyed six vehicles worth more than $1.5 million. A Polk County Sheriff’s Office officials spotted the blaze around 10:15 p.m. Thursday at Hanifen Towing Co. Emergency crews from Delaware Township, Saylor Township, Altoona and Johnston responded to the fire and controlled it in less than two hours. Fire officials remained on the scene Friday morning to monitor for hot spots.

Six vehicles inside the building were ruined in the fire. No injuries were reported. Officials say the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Despite the fire, Hanifen Towing opened for business Friday.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) – A 25-year-old Sioux City woman has pleaded not guilty to child endangerment that resulted in serious injury. Kara Jackson entered a written plea Wednesday. Her trial starting date has not been set. She’s accused of causing her 5-month-old son’s skull fracture.

Last week prosecutors dropped their case against the boy’s father, 23-year-old Aaron Tucker. Woodbury County Attorney Patrick Jennings says it’s unclear whether Tucker was at fault. Jennings says the case can be refiled if more evidence surfaces. In court documents Tucker and Jackson accused one another of dropping the child on several occasions.

Child care providers working in Harrison, Monona, and Shelby counties are invited to a professional development day on Saturday, May 16 at Willow Lake Recreation Area near Woodbine. The event starts at 8:00-a.m., with registration.

Two workshops are being offered:

8:30-am-to 12:30-p.m. –  MyPlate for My Child Care: 4 Easy Steps
Research suggests the groundwork for lifelong dietary habits may be laid down during the preschool years. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans and MyPlate provide four recommendations that can be implemented in the childcare setting. Participants will assist in preparing some new exciting recipes for a light lunch.

1:00-p.m to 4:00-p.m. –  Nature Explore: Wonder-Filled Beginnings
Part of the Nature Explore series from the Arbor Day Foundation, participants in this workshop will gain engaging strategies for documenting infant and toddler learning, and tips for choosing natural materials that meet the unique needs of infants and toddlers. The class will be going outside if possible so appropriate dress is suggested.

Providers may choose one or both workshops for up to a total of 7 hours of licensing credit. Providers are to sign up for each workshop via the Training Registry at https://ccmis.dhs.state.ia.us/TrainingRegistry and submit payment before May 11.

Each workshop is taught by approved ISU Extension and Outreach specialists. Due to generous funding from Harrison, Monona, Shelby Early Childhood Area, the event is low-cost to providers serving these counties. Support is also provided by the ISU Extension and Outreach offices in corresponding counties, and Iowa Child Care Resource and Referral. Priority is given to Harrison, Monona, and Shelby county providers but other providers may also register.

For more information, contact the Shelby County extension office at 712-755-3104.

Two people were hurt during a collision early this (Friday) morning, here in Atlantic. The crash between a van and a pickup happened at around 7:35-a.m. at the intersection of 6th and Maple Streets. The injured were transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital, by Medivac Ambulance.

Ric Hanson/photo

No other details are immediately available.

The Creston Police Department reports a resident told authorities someone slit a tire on his vehicle while it was parked near his home. The incident, which took place sometime between 8-p.m. Wednesday and 5-p.m. Thursday, resulted in a loss of about $85.

Authorities also report 33-year old Troy Williams, of Creston, was arrested Thursday evening and charged with Driving While Suspended. Williams was being held in the Union County Jail while awaiting a bond hearing.