DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Powerball jackpot is on the upswing again, growing to more than $400 million on the Thanksgiving holiday. The jackpot was an estimated $403 million Thursday after no winning numbers were selected in a Wednesday night drawing. The next drawing is scheduled Saturday night, and the jackpot could grow in the meantime.

The prize is on the brink of becoming one of the largest jackpots in U.S. history if it keeps rolling with no lucky winners. A record-setting $1.6 billion jackpot was reached in January. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are one in 292.2 million. The popular game is played in 44 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The start of the holiday shopping season arrives tonight (Thursday) with many stores opening early for Black Friday. Police are warning the potential for crime increases if shoppers aren’t careful. Sioux City Police Officer Lori Noltze says people can reduce their risk of becoming a crime victim by following a few pieces of advice. “Do not leave purchased items or valuables inside your car, leave them in the trunk or keep them with you while you’re shopping,” Noltze said. “Crimes of opportunity often happen when the suspects can see your purse, the items you’ve purchased, or the belongings just sitting in the back seat of your car.”

While many Iowans may prefer shopping after dark, Noltze suggests those later times can also provide an opportunity for crime. “It’s better to shop when it’s busier, when there are more people out and you’re in a higher populated area,” Noltze said. “Also, try to park in a well lit area where there’s a lot of  foot traffic and a lot of people see you coming and going from your vehicle.”

Shoppers are also advised to keep their receipts and report any unauthorized purchases on their credit or debit cards. “Also, keep track of your credit card company’s phone numbers. In the event that your cards are lost or stolen, you can contact them immediately,” Noltze said. “The sooner you can get (the card) canceled, the less likelihood of charges being placed on them.”

Lastly, Officer Noltze advises shoppers to have their vehicle keys ready when they return to the parking lot to load their packages and never leave a car unattended with the motor running or with the keys in the ignition.

(Radio Iowa)

A traffic stop early this (Thanksgiving) morning in Fremont County, resulted in the arrest of three people on drug charges. Fremont County Sheriff Kevin Aistrope reports his department’s K9 unit pulled over vehicle driven by 21-year old Brian Lai, of Omaha, NE. Following an investigation, Deputies arrested Lai, and 18-year old Matthew Huynh, also of Omaha, and 25-year old Trinh Hang, of Oklahoma City, OK.

All three were taken into custody for Possession of a Controlled Substance/Ecstacy & Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. They were brought to the Fremont County Jail and held on $1,000 bond each.