A pedestrian struck by a car Thursday night in Council Bluffs was transported to the hospital suffering from possible head injuries. Council Bluffs Police say emergency personnel were called to the 600 block of N. 28th Street at around 10:18-p.m. Thursday, for an injury accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. Upon arrival it was learned that 18-year old Kyleigh Severn, of Council Bluffs, was driving southbound on N. 28th street. The woman told officers she was looking at her phone and not watching the roadway. Her vehicle drifted to the right  and struck a pedestrian, 36-year old Kenneth Hill, of Council Bluffs, and also struck a nearby tree.

Severn told officers she was not aware she had struck anything other than the tree until she stopped her car, exited and saw witnesses tending to the pedestrian. Hill was transported to Jennie Edmundson Hospital’s Emergency Room, treated and eventually released from the hospital. Police said Hill is very fortunate to have suffered only minor injuries as a result of the accident.

Severn told officers she believed she was traveling around the speed limit of 25 mph at the time of the accident. She was issued a citation for unlawful use of an electronic device. If convicted, this charge carries a fine of slightly over $100. The Council Bluffs Police Department is reminding all drivers that use of an electronic device is prohibited while on the traveled portion of the roadway. That includes while stopped for traffic signals or stop signs. Depending upon the circumstances of the accident, penalties range from a fine to license suspension and in the event of a fatality, 10 years imprisonment.

Authorities urge you to “Please put your phones down while behind wheel of your vehicle.”

Officials with ARISE (The Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise) invite you to the American Legion Building (Old Armory, 201 Poplar St.) this Sunday afternoon, to hear from Curt Lane, an Atlantic native and Vietnam War veteran. Lane will talk about his tour of duty while in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, on Sunday, October 15th beginning at 2 pm. Lane graduated from Atlantic High School and enrolled at the University of Iowa. He was drafted and served in Vietnam in 1969 and 1970. He was seriously wounded in May, 1970. He received many citations including the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts.

You’ll get his personal insight into the war in Vietnam, including everyday challenges, night ambush missions, helicopter combat assaults and nighttime firefights. Much of Lane’s action was near the Cambodian border. Curt Lane’s presentation is one of the ongoing programs to understand and honor members in the service, veterans and their families. Programs are sponsored by Atlantic Rock Island Society Enterprise. A time to visit with Lane, and refreshments will be offered after the program. There is no fee to attend.

Curt and his wife Carol are ardent Hawkeye fans. They give generously to support faculty fellowships and student scholarships at the University of Iowa. He is Chairman of the Atlantic Alumni Scholarship Fund.