WESTFIELD, Iowa (AP) — Authorities say members of a South Dakota college golf team were treated at a hospital after a collision between their van and a sport utility vehicle in northwest Iowa. The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office says the accident occurred around 6:30 p.m. Thursday about a mile north of Westfield on Iowa Highway 12. The sheriff’s office says the northbound SUV crossed the centerline and struck the oncoming van carrying the team from Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota.

The SUV driver was taken to Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, and all six people on the van were treated at a Hawarden hospital and released. The names of those involved have not been released.
The college’s Andy Bernatow says the team was returning from a tournament in the area.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Office today (Friday) issued a report on numerous, recent arrests. On Thursday (Sept. 13), deputies arrested 27-year old Mikel Ann Erickson, on a District Court warrant for Probation Violation. Erickson was taken to the Cass County Jail where she remains held on $50,000 bond. 28-year old Michelle Lee Dougherty, of Atlantic, was arrested Thursday on three District Court warrants for Failure to Appear. Dougherty was taken to the Cass County Jail where she remains held on $30,000 bond. And, 64-year old Garry Wayne Cook, of Atlantic, was arrested Thursday on a District Court warrant for Probation Violation. Cook was taken to the Cass County Jail and later released on $5,000 bond.

On Monday (Sept. 10), Cass County Deputies arrested 22-year old Dylan Scott Gaines, of Union, NE, on an Atlantic Police Department warrant for Theft 2nd Degree (D Felony). Gaines was taken to the Cass County Jail where he remains held on $5,000 bond. On September 3rd, 35-year old Ryan Mark Biensen, of Atlantic, was arrested on charges of Possession of Meth 1st Offense (Serious) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Biensen was also arrested by the Atlantic Police Department on a charge of felony Forgery. He remains in the Cass County Jail on $6,000 bond.

On September 2nd, Cass County Deputies arrested 32-year old Michael David Clousing, of Griswold, on an Ida County warrant. Clousing was held at the Cass County Jail and released to Ida County authorities later that day.

SOUTH SIOUX CITY, Neb. (AP) — A Nebraska renewable energy plant has been accused of several violations of its permit to discharge sewage into a regional wastewater treatment plant. The Sioux City (Iowa) Journal reports that since issuing a compliance order in June, Sioux City, Iowa, has fined the Big Ox Energy plant in South Sioux City, Nebraska, $3,500 for exceeding its discharge limits and failing to report all daily flows into the treatment plant.

Big Ox spokesman Kevin Bradley said Thursday it is upgrading its wastewater treatment capabilities “and is operating in full compliance with its permit from Sioux City.” The company has been under scrutiny since its South Sioux City neighbors first complained about odors. Last month the Nebraska Environmental Quality Department said Big Ox had failed to control emissions of hydrogen sulfide, properly operate and maintain anaerobic digesters, control dust and submit proper notifications.

West Nile virus cases have hit the second highest number since the mosquito-born virus was identified in Iowa in 2002. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reports 73 cases of West Nile virus are under investigation. The highest year was 2003, when Iowa had 147 cases. “School has started, Halloween is just around the corner and some people are even thinking about the holidays, but mosquitoes are still thriving and biting,” said IDPH Deputy Epidemiologist, Dr. Ann Garvey. “West Nile virus activity will continue until the state’s first hard frost, regardless of the date on the calendar.”

Most people (70 to 80 percent) who become infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. About one in five people who are infected will develop a fever along with other symptoms such as:

• Headache
• Body aches
• Joint pains
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash

Whether for work or play, in the backyard or a football game, being outside means there’s a risk for West Nile virus. Iowans should take the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure to West Nile virus:

• Use insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. Always read the repellent label and consult with a health care provider if you have questions when using these types of products for children. For example, oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age and DEET should not be used on children less than 2 months of age.
• Avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, shoes and socks outdoors whenever possible.

In addition, and especially since the recent statewide rainy weather, it’s important to eliminate standing water around your property because that’s where mosquitoes lay eggs. Empty water from buckets, cans, pool covers and pet water dishes. Change water in bird baths every three to four days.

So far this season, three Iowans have died from West Nile virus. For more information on mosquito and tick transmitted diseases in Iowa visit https://www.idph.iowa.gov/cade/vectorborne-illness.