How does sinking and floating work? What makes submarines able to go way down deep into the ocean? Youth who attend this hands-on daycamp will explore this and many other items releated to submersibles. The Submerse Into STEM Day camp will be December 30 at the Nishna Valley YMCA in Atlantic from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event is free with lunch, snacks and resources provided, but youth must register by December 22nd.

Participants are asked to please bring a swimming suit and towel. Registration forms are available at the YMCA, Cass County Extension Office or online at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cass/. The Nishna Valley YMCA and Cass County Extension staff and volunteers have teamed up for this day of hands-on learning to celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

Beth Irlbeck, Cass County Extension Youth Coordinator, says “We are continuing to expand our STEM efforts because there is increased evidence of need and support from the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. 4-H has done STEM and positive youth development programming for years and we’re excited to continue our partnership with the Y who has also made its history supporting youth.”

The “Submerse Into STEM” event promises lots of fun, hands-on science, opportunities to design and build and meet new friends. Pre-registration is required by December 22. There is no charge for the December 30 event, just a day of fun, food, friends and hands-on STEM. Questions? Call Cass County Extension 712-243-1132.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) urges all Iowans over 6 months of age to receive their yearly seasonal influenza vaccine. Surveillance by IDPH influenza sentinel sites and confirmatory testing by the State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) shows the flu is circulating in Iowa, and appears to be particularly spreading among children.

IDPH Medical Director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says “Children are known as ‘super spreaders’ because they are often in close contact with others at schools or daycare, and when ill, can quickly spread the illness to others.” Testing for viral strains by SHL shows three flu viruses – A(H3N2), A(H1N1) and B –
are already currently circulating in Iowa with A(H3N2) predominating. In years when A(H3N2) viruses dominate, the flu season tends to be more severe with more hospitalizations and deaths.

All three of these flu strains are covered by this year’s vaccine – A(H3N2), A(H1N1) and B, although some of the A(H3N2) viruses may only be partially covered in the vaccine. Iowans should be reminded that anti-viral medications are an important second line of defense to treat the flu. There are two anti-viral medications a doctor can prescribe which make flu illness milder, shorter, and reduce the risk of ending up in the hospital or dying from influenza. Antivirals work best if started within 48
hours or sooner of when flu symptoms begin.

While the flu vaccine is the best defense against getting influenza, it’s also important to take personal actions to help prevent the spread of illness. Remember the 3Cs: Cover your coughs and sneezes; Clean your hands frequently; and Contain germs by staying home when ill. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. 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 even death in people such as the very young or very old, or those who have underlying health conditions. (The “stomach bug” which causes diarrhea and vomiting is not caused by the influenza virus but usually by norovirus; thus, the flu vaccine will not protect you against this illness.)

Influenza is not a ‘reportable disease’ in Iowa, which means doctors are not required to notify IDPH each time a patient tests positive for influenza; however, IDPH conducts year-round influenza surveillance through the Iowa Influenza Surveillance Network. This surveillance indicates what types of influenza viruses are circulating and how widespread influenza illness is.

The Audubon County Sheriff’s Department reports the arrest of two men on second degree burglary charges. 37 year old Robert Lee Atkinson of Anita and 33 year old Joshua Lee Larsen of Audubon were taken into custody Thursday afternoon.
The two were charged after an investigation into a burlary in the 3-thousand block of 320th street. As the resident was returning home a vehicle left their residence. As the victim followed the speeding vehicle property that had been stolen fell out or was being thrown out of the back end of the vehicle. The victim called 9-1-1 and continued following the vehicle approximately 5 miles before the vehicle stopped with a flat tire. Law Enforcement officials arrived and took Larsen into custody on Littlefield Drive while Atkinson was hiding in a heavy timber area of Littlefield Park.
After a short search by Cass County K-9 and Audubon and Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies Atkinson surrendered. Through the investigation a search warrant was executed at 311 South Division Street in Audubon. The Audubon Police Department assisted in the search. Larsen was seen by the magistrate and released. Atkinson remains in the Audubon County Jail on 10-thousand dollar bond. A preliminary hearing is set for December 22nd at 9-30. Officials are continuing to investigate the incident.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A panel of state budget experts says state revenue continues to grow but at a slower pace than recent years which means lawmakers may need to show spending restraint in next year’s state budget. The Revenue Estimating Conference met Friday and estimated state revenue for fiscal year 2016 at $7.19 billion, a 4.9 percent increase over the current year. The fiscal year begins in July.

State law requires Gov. Terry Branstad and lawmakers to use December estimates to draft the budget.
Department of Management director David Roederer, one of the three members of the panel, says the figure shows Iowa’s economy is showing strength but there are signs of slowing down which means closely watching spending.

For the current year revenue is estimated at $6.86 billion, a 5.7 percent increase.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Department of Education says it will stop granting automatic waivers to school districts seeking to start classes earlier in the summer. Department director Brad Buck sent a letter Friday to state education leaders saying the change is effective immediately.

The announcement came shortly after Gov. Terry Branstad sent a letter to Buck asking that officials only grant a waiver if a school district demonstrates a “significant negative educational impact” of beginning classes on time, as required by law.

Districts must start school no earlier than the calendar week that includes Sept. 1. But nearly all of them obtain waivers allowing them to begin classes earlier. Branstad’s letter says starting earlier “unnecessarily interferes” with families’ summer plans, seasonal hiring and the Iowa State Fair.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – A family-owned chain of automobile dealerships located in Iowa, Montana and South Dakota will pay a $360,000 civil penalty for running deceptive ads. The Federal Trade Commission said Friday that Billion Auto and its advertising company violated a 2012 order that prohibited them from deceptively advertising the cost of buying or leasing a car.

The commission’s complaint says Billion Auto’s ads routinely focus on a few attractive terms but conceal other details that limit who can qualify or that add significant costs. One ad, for instance, promoted a vehicle for lease for $179 a month but hid in the fine print that one must be a military veteran and returning customer to qualify.

An FTC official says its enforcement action shows “there is a financial cost for violating FTC orders.”

In an update to our earlier report about a body found in a car west of Wiota Thursday night. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office said today (Friday), 49-year old David Gatrel, of Wiota, died from self-inflicted injuries.  Deputies responded at around 8:30 p.m., Thursday, to a report of a car in the ditch at 665th & White Pole Rd. Upon arrival, they found Gatrel deceased.