Police in Red Oak say a local man was arrested late Wednesday night. 30-year old Aaron Duwayne Childs, of Red Oak, was arrested at around 11-p.m.  on a valid Page County warrant for OWI/1st offense. Childs was being held in the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center on $1,000 bond.

Iowans who know better than to give very young kids a lighted sparkler might instead hand that child a glow stick, which one expert says is -not- a good alternative. Registered nurse Joan McVoy says those fluorescent glow sticks are made from soft plastic and youngsters love to chew on them. McVoy predicts poison control centers in Iowa and nationwide will be flooded with calls about them over the upcoming holiday weekend. “Fourth of July and Halloween are the two times of the year we get most of these calls,” McVoy says. “We get calls from parents calling because their child’s mouth is glowing with that chemical. It’s got a really strong chemical taste and an odor and it can be irritating to the mouth.”

That liquid can also stain furniture, carpet and clothing. McVoy says the chemical shouldn’t taste good, but it won’t stop kids from swallowing it. She says glow sticks should not be given to kids younger than three or four. “Parents run to the emergency room with these cases and they don’t need to do that,” she says. “They can call the poison center and we can help and tell them exactly what to do and we can save them a trip to the emergency room.” Iowans who went out of state and brought home some contraband fireworks need to be careful where they’re stored, as little hands may get a hold of them.

“There’s a lot of chemicals in these fireworks, things like potasium and phosphorus and barium and arsenic,” McVoy says. “All of these packages are really bright and they’re attractive to small children. If swallowed, these chemicals in the fireworks can make them sick.” With concerns about glow sticks and anything else that might be a hazard, call the Iowa Statewide Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.

(Radio Iowa)

Police in Council Bluffs say at least 18 vehicles have been damaged since April by gasoline thieves. Sgt. David Dawson told the Daily NonPareil persons have drilled holes in vehicle fuel tanks to make off with the gasoline inside them. Dawson said 10 of the incidents took place in June, alone. The culprits drill the victims’ vehicles’ gas tank, punching a hole in it to steal the gas. Cars, trucks, vans and sport-utility vehicles – both new and old – have been hit, and there’s no pattern or specific area targeted for the incidents.Omaha police reported instances of gas-tank drilling in June as well.

Body shops surveyed in area said it can cost $75-150 to repair a hole in a gas tank, with replacement ranging from $300-$400, or more, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.Dawson encouraged anyone with a garage to use it, and watch out for neighbors who don’t have the option of storing their vehicles inside.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — More disaster proclamations have been issued for Iowa counties affected by recent severe weather in the state. Governor Terry Branstad yesterday issued proclamations for Clinton, Crawford, Des Moines, Hardin, Lee and Shelby counties. The proclamations mean state resources can be used to respond to flooding and severe weather.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — The University of Iowa has placed protective measures around campus in response to potential flooding from the swollen Iowa River. The university placed a 12-foot sand-filled flood barrier around the Mayflower Residence Hall. An interlocking metal wall is also being placed around the Art Building West.

FORT DODGE, Iowa (AP) — A woman has pleaded guilty in connection to the hatchet slaying of a Fort Dodge man last year. Holly Ekstrom entered the pleas yesterday on charges accessory after the fact and operating a motor vehicle without owner’s consent. Ekstrom said she saw Ronald Dilley kill 22-year-old Steven Fisher in July 2013. She admitted to driving Dilley away from the scene and disposing of evidence.

MASONVILLE, Iowa (AP) — Officials in northeast Iowa are figuring out how to replace an emergency warning siren that was struck by lightning. Leaders in Masonville say they’re considering their options after recent severe weather broke the siren. In the meantime, authorities will alert Masonville residents of severe weather by blowing sirens on their trucks.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — More disaster proclamations have been issued for Iowa counties affected by recent severe weather in the state. Gov. Terry Branstad on Wednesday issued proclamations for Clinton, Crawford, Des Moines, Hardin, Lee and Shelby counties.

The proclamations mean state resources can be used to respond to flooding and severe weather. The proclamation for Clinton, Des Moines, Hardin, and Lee counties is in response to weather that began June 26. The proclamation for Crawford and Shelby counties is for weather that began June 13.

Several counties under proclamations will also be able to utilize the state’s individual assistance program. That offers grants of up to $5,000 to certain low-income households. Branstad has issued proclamations since Monday for other counties around the state.