The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today (Friday), that 79 Iowa communities have been recognized by the CDC as Water Fluoridation Quality Award recipients. Fluoridation is the adjustment of fluoride in the water to a level that is optimal for preventing tooth decay. The award recognizes those communities that maintained a consistent level of optimally fluoridated water throughout 2011. Among the communities honored by the CDC was: Anita, Atlantic, Audubon, Bayard, Carroll, Carson, Casey,  Elk Horn, Greenfield, Griswold,  Harlan, Logan, Minden,  Onawa, Red Oak, Shenandoah, and Villisca. The West Central Rural Water Association, which serves several communities, was also honored.

IDPH State Public Health Dental Director, Dr. Bob Russell said “We are pleased that so many Iowa communities have achieved this measure of excellence in their water fluoridation programs. Community water fluoridation is one of the most effective means available for avoiding tooth decay, preventing at least 25 percent of tooth decay in children and adults.”

Nationally, 2500 water systems in 33 states received the awards, which is a significant increase in the number of participating states and water systems from previous years. For more information on the IDPH Fluoridation program, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/fluoridation.asp. For information about the benefits of fluoridation, see www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/benefits/background.htm.

A 13-year old student at the Villisca Community School District suffered minor injuries when his foot was run over by a vehicle that was in the process of backing up. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Austin Micah Peligrini‘s toes on his right foot were run over by a car driven by 16-year old Kelsi Jean Vannausdle, at around 8:25-a.m.

An investigation revealed a 2004 Chevy pickup owned by Dennis Sunderman, of Villisca, was legally parked near the intersection of 3rd Street and 4th Avenue in Villisca. A 1999 Mercury Sable owned by Brenda Lynn Vannausdle, and driven by Kesli Vannausdle, was stopped at the stop sign at the intersection, when for reasons unknown, the teen began to back away from the stop sign, and in the process, hit the left rear of Sunderman’s pickup.

During the course of the accident, Austin Peligrini was standing near the parked Sunderman vehicle. When Vannausdle began to back up, Peligrini had to take evasive action to avoid being pinned between the two vehicles. Even so, the toes of his right foot were run over by the Vannausdle car. The teen was examined at the scene by Villisca EMS, and released back to school officials after they consulted with his parents.

Sunderman’s pickup sustained $2,000 damage during the accident, while damage to the Sable was estimated at $500. Kelsi Jean Vannausdle was cited for Failure to Prove Security Against Liability (or, failure to provide proof of insurance).

The Harlan Police Department is investigating a hit-and-run incident. Officials say a Harlan resident reported on Sept. 13th, that her 2008 Ford had been hit on the passenger side, by an unknown vehicle. The incident occurred while the vehicle was legally parked in the 900 block of 6th Street. Damage to the vehicle was estimated at $4,000. And, on Sept. 16th, a Harlan resident reported their legally parked 2005 Pontiac  was struck by an unknown vehicle. The incident occurred while the car was parked in the 1200 block of Willow Street. The damage amounted to $300.

The H-PD said also, 47-year old James Ancel Casebeer, Jr., of Harlan, was arrested Wednesday. Casebeer was taken into custody following a traffic stop, for Driving While Barred/Habitual Offender, and Failure to Stop at a stop sign. The man posted $1,000 bond Thursday, and was tentatively scheduled to appear in court for his Preliminary Hearing, on Oct. 11th.

Police in Harlan are asking for the public’s help with regard to two incidents that took place Wednesday. Officials say officers were called to the 1400 block of Onyx Drive, where four vehicles parked along the block had been vandalized with an instrument that may have been a key. If you heard or saw something, please call the Harlan Police Department, as your information may help to solve the case. As always, if your information leads to an arrest and conviction, you may be eligible for a Crime Stoppers reward.

The H-PD reports also, a Harlan resident reported Wednesday, that her 2009 Chevy Malibu was stolen from her residence. The “Keying” incident and theft, remain under investigation.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – MidAmerican Energy Co. is holding meetings with landowners and residents in two locations in Iowa as part of a nuclear energy assessment study.  About 40 residents in southwest Iowa’s Fremont County, and a similar number in Muscatine County in eastern Iowa received invitations.  MidAmerican will discuss the purpose of soil samples the company is gathering for the study to assess the viability of nuclear generation in Iowa.

Spokeswoman Tina Potthoff says the company is taking five soil borings of nearly 100 feet deep in both locations. She says no decisions have been made to build a nuclear plant.  The Legislature in 2010 passed a bill allowing MidAmerican to recover up to $15 million in study costs from Iowa electric customers.  A report will be filed with lawmakers next year.