Sheriff’s officials in Montgomery County report one person arrested on a drug-related charge, Sunday night. 23-year old Jesse Allen Luft, of Villisca, was taken into custody just before 8-p.m., on a charge of Distributing a controlled substance to a person under the age of 18. Luft was arrested in the 100 block of west 2nd Street in Villisca, and brought to the Montgomery County Jail, where he was being held on $25,000 bond.

The freeze-thaw cycle we’re in is making some monster potholes in Iowa’s streets. The road craters can ruin tires and rims, damage suspension and alignment and they can even knock the exhaust system off your vehicle. Ann Avery, a spokeswoman for State Farm Insurance in Iowa, says if there’s a lot of damage from a pothole, you may be able to file a claim. “The damage done to your car would generally be covered under the collision portion of your insurance,” Avery says. “These kinds of repairs from damage caused by a pothole can cost on average anywhere from $300 to $700. My best advice would be, if you have questions about the damage and whether it would be covered, consult your insurance professional and find out what your coverage is in this circumstance.”

Avery says you can’t prevent potholes but you can help protect your vehicle by driving carefully. “One suggestion would be taking roads that you know well because that familiarity can help you avoid the potholes,” she says. “Another thought would be when driving at night, travel on well-lit roads so you can see the surface and see them coming a little bit better.” If you spot a chuckhole, Avery says to brake before impact, as there’s less damage when the tire is rolling, rather than skidding over a hole during braking. She offers another tip:

“Slow down, give yourself a chance to see the pothole and that way you can avoid it before you’re in it,” she says. “If you do hit a pothole, carefully inspect your tires and your wheels for possible damage. Think about how your car is handling, if it’s pulling one way or the other, if the steering feels wobbly, you might want to have your car checked by a professional.” She reminds, always check with your agent first to see what is — and what is not — covered.

(Radio Iowa)

In an update to our report Sunday morning, Police in Council Bluffs have released more information about a three-vehicle, head-on crash Friday evening that happened when the driver of a mini-van blacked-out, causing the van to cross lanes and strike a vehicle that spun-out and hit another. The crash resulted in numerous injuries. According to the Police report, officers, along with the Council Bluffs Fire Department to the crash in the 1600 block of West Broadway at 10:16-p.m., Friday.

Officials say 77-year old Meredith Robinson, of Omaha, was driving a Chrysler Town and Country mini-van when he passed out at the wheel, as he was traveling eastbound on west Broadway. The vehicle crossed into the westbound lanes of traffic and struck a Hyundai Elantra, driven by 51-year old Cassondra McCaune, of Des Moines. Her car spun around and hit a westbound Honda CRV, driven by 59-year old Mary Horan-Cummings, of Council Bluffs.

Horan-Cummings, who was wearing her seat belt, was not injured. Cassondra McCaune suffered critical injuries in the crash. Three other people in the car, all from Des Moines, were injured, as well. 29-year old Heather McCaune and 16-year old Kala McCaune, both suffered minor injuries. 63-year old Robert McCaune, suffered critical injuries. All four were transported to Creighton CHI in Omaha for treatment. Cassondra and Robert McCaune were wearing their seatbelts.

Robinson suffered minor injuries also. His passenger, 84-year old Bertha Weinfurtner, of Carter Lake, was critically injured. Both were transported to Nebraska Medicine for treatment. Authorities say the pair was wearing their seatbelts.

Witnesses indicated that speed may be a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Closing some of Iowa’s four state mental hospitals might be needed, but people who work in the field warn that any changes should be made carefully. The Des Moines Register reports Governor Terry Branstad said last month he plans to close state mental institutions at Clarinda and Mount Pleasant and move any remaining patients to the other two state institutions this summer.

SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (AP) — South Sioux City is still waiting for nearly $1.4 million in reimbursement from state and federal agencies almost four years after extensive flooding along the Missouri River. The Sioux City Journal reports city officials are still working to finish up the last paperwork needed to obtain reimbursement for flood-related expenses.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — A new downtown Sioux City casino has announced plans to convert a grass-covered outdoor spot into a hard surface that will be used for outdoor events, such as concerts, as well as more parking. The Sioux City Journal reports that the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in downtown Sioux City plans new landscaping, decorative street lamps, a beer garden, an expanded restaurant patio and a barrier to control concert noise also are part of the $850,000 project awaiting city approval.

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Two Californians are accused of using fake credit cards and identification in a scheme to defraud Iowa banks and credit unions. The Sioux City Journal reports the 45-year-old man and 53-year-old woman were arrested Thursday.