ANKENY, Iowa (AP) — Convenience store chain Casey’s General Stores Inc. plans to expand its Ankeny headquarters. Casey’s senior vice president Brian Johnson told The Des Moines Register that the company had run out of space in its building. The company recently opened its 2,000th store, and more growth is expected. Johnson also says the company is seeking tax credits from the city and state.

Nearly 900 people work at the Ankeny location, not counting warehouse employers or truck drivers. Johnson says the expansion could lead to Casey’s hiring at least 80 more office workers there over the next five years.

A man from Mills County faces multiple charges following a traffic stop this (Thursday) morning in Council Bluffs that escalated into a pursuit, the crash of a stolen vehicle, and the eventual apprehension of the suspect. Council Bluffs Police report just before 2-a.m. today (Thursday), officers attempted to stop a 2000 Honda Accord in the area of 21st and Ave E as it was west bound on Ave E. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Saunders County Nebraska. The vehicle failed to yield for officers and fled.

Antonio Saldana

Officers pursued the vehicle for a short distance before terminating their attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver of the stolen vehicle continued to drive erratically and at high rates of speed, giving no regard for the safety of others. A little after 2-a.m., officers were called to the area of 1900 blk of Ave C for a hit and run, where a vehicle had struck a parked pickup. The driver had abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot. Upon officers’ arrival in the area, the vehicle was identified as being the stolen Honda that had previously run from officers.

Officers searched the area and located the suspect / driver in the area of 16th and Ave D. He was identified as 20-year old Antonio Saldana, of Glenwood. Saldana was placed under arrest and transported to Pottawattamie County Corrections. He was booked on numerous charges, including: Felony Eluding; Theft 2nd; Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Crash; No Driver’s License; Wrong Way on a One-Way, street, and Possession of Weapons (Brass Knuckles)

The Council Bluffs Police Department would like to remind motorists, the majority of car thefts that occur during this time of year are a result of cars being left unattended with the keys in them. The use of keyless starters or staying with your vehicle while it warms up will help prevent your vehicle being taken by thieves.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — No winning tickets were sold for the $460 million Powerball drawing. The winning numbers selected Wednesday night were 2, 18, 37, 39 and 42, and the Powerball number was 12. The jackpot jumps to an estimated $550 million for Saturday’s drawing. That would make it the nation’s 8th largest lottery prize ever.

Powerball is played in 44 states, as well as Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The odds of winning are one in 292.2 million. The $550 million prize refers to the annuity option, paid over 29 years. The cash prize would be almost $348 million.

Lottery players also can vie for another giant prize, as the Mega Millions game’s grand prize will be $418 million in Friday’s drawing.

Here is the latest Iowa news from The Associated Press at 3:30 a.m. CST

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — No winning tickets were sold for the $460 million Powerball drawing. The winning numbers selected Wednesday night were 2, 18, 37, 39 and 42, and the Powerball number was 12. The jackpot jumps to an estimated $550 million for Saturday’s drawing. That would make it the nation’s 8th largest lottery prize ever.

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Iowa City police suspect dangerously cold weather played a part in the death of a man whose body was found Tuesday. Officers were sent to area around 2 p.m. Tuesday after 24-year-old Paul Biagas was found dead in the snow near the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center. Police Lt. Zach Diersen says investigators believe Biagas may have been walking home on New Year’s Eve to his apartment near downtown Iowa City.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Salvation Army in Omaha has announced it will open several locations in the city and nearby Council Bluffs, Iowa, for people to escape the bitter cold that has gripped much of the nation. The group says its Kroc Center in southeastern Omaha, North Corps Community Center in northeast Omaha, Citadel Corps in midtown Omaha and Council Bluffs location across the Missouri River will serve as warming centers through Friday.

FARLEY, Iowa (AP) — Frigid temperatures are creating challenges for Iowa farmers who say animals can endure cold winter conditions but need extra attention to stay healthy and productive. Iowa entered 2018 with subzero temperatures. One dairy farmer tells the Telegraph Herald that his livestock needs to be partially protected from the frigid conditions. He says the cold weather can make cows uncomfortable and cut into productivity.