DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Environmental Council says Iowa has set a new state record for the number of beach advisories issued because of toxic algae dangers. The council says 37 beach advisories have been issued this year because of a toxin produced by blue-green algae blooms in water. That surpasses last year’s previous record of 34 warnings.

Skin exposed to the toxin can develop rashes and blisters. Someone who drinks water containing the toxin is at risk for headaches, nausea and muscular pain. Animals have died from drinking algae-tainted water. Since 2006, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has issued 185 beach warnings for high levels of the toxin.

Blue-green algae blooms are often fed by agriculture fertilizers, livestock waste and other pollutants. It is exacerbated by hot temperatures.

(In an update to our earlier report) Cass County Sheriff Darby McLaren told KJAN News Friday evening, two males and a female were injured in a collision that took place at around 2:45-p.m. Friday northwest of Massena. McLaren says the accident happened at 730th and Quincy Road, when a car failed to stop as it was traveling eastbound on Quincy Road. The vehicle collided with a pickup truck that was headed south on 730th.

The male driver of the car and his female passenger were injured, along with the driver of the pickup.

Photo courtesy Cass County EMA Coordinator Mike Kennon

All three were transported to the Cass County Memorial Hospital, with the driver of the car later flown by LifeNet Helicopter to Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha. That individual reportedly suffered from a broken leg, head and shoulder lacerations. Injuries to the other individuals were not believed to be life threatening.

The accident was under investigation by the Iowa State Patrol, with more information, including the names, expected to be released later.

The Cass County Board of Supervisors are expected to act during their meeting next Wednesday morning (Sept. 7th), on granting permission for a Bible Reading Marathon to take place on the courthouse block grounds, Sept. 19th through the 25th. The action to be taken during their meeting that begins at 8:30-a.m., is with regard to a proclamation made by Governor Terry Branstad on April 26th, that encouraged all Iowans to participate in the historic 99 county marathon, from  June 30th through July 3rd. Branstad also encouraged “Individuals and families in Iowa to read through the Bible on a daily basis each year until the Lord comes.”

The proclamation as signed by the Gov. April 26 2016

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Freedom from Religion Foundation raised constitutional concerns over the proclamation, arguing the government should be “neutral” toward religion. The “First Liberty Institute” has said it will defend Branstad if he is sued over the matter.

In other business, the Board of Supervisors will act on a resolution abating the taxes on parcels of land owned by the City of Atlantic, per Iowa Code.

No injuries were reported following a two-vehicle accident Friday afternoon, in Atlantic. A Pontiac apparently rear-ended a Chevy near the intersection of 7th and Mulberry, at around 4:15-p.m. Atlantic Police, Atlantic Fire and Rescue and Medivac Ambulance were called to the scene, but no one required transport to the hospital. One of the vehicles sustained extensive front end damage, while the other had a broken tailpipe mount that caused the tailpipe and muffler to drag on the ground. Both vehicles were driven from the impact site to a nearby parking lot.

No other details were immediately available.

Photos by KJAN News Director Ric Hanson

Officials with the Glenwood Police Department have released additional details about a man who was found with a gunshot wound Wednesday evening. Authorities say 63-year old Wendell James Prindle, died from his injury early Thursday morning. An investigation by the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation and the Glenwood Police Department determined foul play was not involved in the incident.

Prindle was found in a residence at 310 N. Vine Street, at around 5:20-p.m. Wednesday. He was flown to UNMC in Omaha where he later died.