(Radio Iowa) – A man from Guatemala who illegally re-entered the United States after deported twice has been sentenced to two years in federal prison. Sioux City Police arrested 29-year-old Erasmo Roberto Mendez-Lopez last May for a second operating while intoxicated offense and for failing to appear on a Woodbury County warrant for a prior O-W-I charge. Prosecutors say he had active warrants from Plymouth County, too, for speeding and having an open container of alcohol in his vehicle. Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra says Mendez-Lopez is the kind of prisoner who could wind up in Cuba at the Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp.

Feenstra says President Trump is serious about cracking down on illegal immigration and that’s why the first bill Trump signed into law requires detention of illegal immigrants charged with murdering or seriously injuring someone. Those provisions are known as “Sarah’s Law” — written after Sarah Root of Council Bluffs was killed by a drunk driver who was in the country illegally, posted bond and disappeared.

Feenstra says Trump’s America First agenda prioritizes Americans over criminal illegal immigrants.

(Radio Iowa) – Northwest Iowa native Cooper DeJean will be starting for the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl on Sunday. After a standout college career at Iowa, the N-F-L rookie is having an impressive season. He grew up in the small town of Odebolt in Sac County. Larry Allen, his high school coach, says the whole community is proud of what DeJean has accomplished.

Allen said also…

Allen, by the way, is switching allegiances to back his former player.

A Super Bowl watch party is planned at the community center in Odebolt. Allen says most have spent the season cheering for DeJean’s team.

A Super Bowl win for the Eagles would be a big birthday present for DeJean, who turns 22 on Sunday.

DES MOINES – Iowa Department of Corrections, IA, K9s Otto and Tank have received bullet and stab protective vests thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. Both vests were sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Otto’s vest has been embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always” and K9 Tank’s is “Honoring those who served and sacrificed”.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,918 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations.

IA DOC photo

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. Each vest has a value of $1800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

WASHINGTON, D-C — If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party this weekend, keep food safety in your playbook to ensure that bacteria doesn’t run out the clock. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has a game plan to keep your Super Bowl servings penalty free. Dr. Denise Eblen, USDA FSIS Administrator, says “One of the biggest threats to a successful game day meal is bacteria that causes foodborne illness. Make sure that takeout or delivered food is quickly refrigerated or placed in an oven until your guests arrive.”

Pizza, chicken wings, hamburger sliders, chili and other Super Bowl favorites cannot stay at room temperature for more than two hours, what USDA calls the Danger Zone (temperatures between 40 F and 140 F). If perishable food is left out without hot or cold sources for too long, bacteria will multiply to unsafe levels that can cause foodborne illness. Here are some game winning plays to avoid getting sick from your party foods:

#1 Don’t Fumble Your Takeout or Delivery

• Place your takeout in insulated bags while transporting home if your commute takes longer than an hour.
• Whether it’s takeout or delivered food, serve promptly or divide food into smaller portions, place in shallow containers and refrigerate until ready to reheat and serve. Or keep food heated (above 140 F) in a preheated oven, warming tray, chafing dish or slow cooker.
• Reheat food containing meat or poultry to an internal temperature of 165 F as measured by a food thermometer.
• If reheating in the microwave, evenly disperse food and stir so the food reaches a safe internal temperature throughout.
• Reheat liquid foods like soups and sauces to a boil.

#2 Avoid the Danger Zone

• If you do not plan to use cold or heating sources to keep food hot or cold during the game, bring out one set of servings during the first half of the game, and a second set of servings for the second half to ensure your food doesn’t stay out for more than two hours.
• Perishable food should be discarded if left out for longer than two hours. To prevent food waste and enjoy leftovers after the game, refrigerate or freeze perishable items within two hours.
• If you plan to keep food out for more than two hours:
  • Keep cold foods at a temperature of 40 F or below by keeping food nestled in ice.
  • Keep hot foods at a temperature of 140 F or above by placing food in a preheated oven, warming trays, chafing dishes or slow cookers.
    

    Wings & veggies (Photo from foodsafety,gov)

#3 Focus on Safe Minimum Internal Temperatures

• Use a food thermometer to ensure your food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature when cooking at home:
  • meat (whole beef, pork and lamb) 145 F with a three-minute rest;
  • ground meats 160 F;
  • poultry (ground and whole) 165 F;
  • eggs 160 F;
  • fish and shellfish 145 F; and
  • leftovers and casseroles 165 F.
• If chicken wings are on the menu, use a food thermometer on several wings to gauge the doneness of the entire batch. If one is under 165 F, continue cooking all wings until they reach that safe internal temperature.

#4 Remember Your Four Steps to Food Safety

• Clean: Wash hands for 20 seconds before and after handling your takeout or delivered food, as well as any raw meat or poultry you prepare at home. Clean hands, surfaces and utensils with soap and water before and after meal prep and sanitize any surfaces that may have come in contact with food with a commercial or homemade cleaning solution (1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water).
• Separate: Use separate cutting boards, plates and utensils to avoid cross-contamination between your takeout or delivery foods and any raw meat or poultry you are preparing at home.
• Cook: Confirm foods are cooked or reheated to a safe internal temperature by using a food thermometer.
• Chill: Chill foods promptly if not consuming immediately after cooking.

If you have food safety questions, call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854), email MPHotline@usda.gov or chat live at ask.usda.gov 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

(Wiota, Iowa) – Two people were injured when a train struck a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee this (Friday) morning in Cass County. The accident happened at around 7:53-a.m. on 690th Street at the railroad crossing just south of White Pole Road, east of Wiota. Cass County Sheriff John Westering told KJAN News about the accident victims. (Ariel photos courtesy the Cass County Drone Team, and Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy Kyle Quist)

Drone Team photo

Drone Team photo

Dep. Kyle Quist photo

Sheriff Westering says he believes their injuries didn’t look to be too serious. The accident happened when the driver of the SUV failed to stop at the railroad crossing lights as the vehicle was traveling northbound on 690th, approaching White Pole Road.

As of 9:45-a.m., the intersections of 690th and 700th Street at White Pole Road (Between Wiota and Anita) were still blocked while the accident remained under investigation. Agencies involved with the incident: Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Atlantic Police Department, Iowa State Patrol, Anita Fire Department, Wiota Fire Department, Cass EMS, Cass County EMA, Cass County Communications, Cass County Roads Department, and Railroad Crews.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – A woman from Omaha was arrested this (Friday) morning, in Glenwood. According to the Glenwood Police Department, 45-year-old Lisa Schmitt was taken into custody for OWI/1st offense and transported to the Mills County Jail.

(Radio Iowa) – A new fuel testing laboratory will be dedicated this (Friday) afternoon near the Fort Dodge campus of Iowa Central Community College. Iowa Central President Jesse Ulrich says the work started there 20 years ago when they first began testing biodiesel in truck engines. “What that led to was a smaller lab that was on our campus in our Biohealth and Science Building, and then we’ve really just outgrown that space,” Ulrich says. “We have major contracts with most major gas stations across the country, and specifically here in Iowa.”

The Fort Dodge lab is where fuel from all over the state is put through a battery of tests. “What that means for the average Iowan is, when you pull up to the gas tank and you see ’87’ and then you see some specific numbers underneath of there in the fuel,” Ulrich says, “we’re actually double-checking those numbers to make sure that they’re accurate and make sure that the fuel you’re putting in your tank is the best, highest grade fuel that it can be.”

Radio Iowa file photo

Ulrich says Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig plan to attend the dedication at the new facility, which has an additional 10,000 square feet of testing space. “We received a $2-million grant through the Department of Ag to do new tests on engines,” he says, “and part of the testing engine capabilities will allow us to be able to test aviation biofuel, which obviously is the new wave coming across America, and hopefully an up-and-coming fuel source for Americans, and something that will keep biofuel alive and healthy for the state of Iowa and our economy.”

The lab was built on the lot of a former Casey’s store on the west side of Fort Dodge. The ceremony begins at 3:30 p.m.

(Radio Iowa) – Flu season is peaking in Iowa and dozens of schools report rampant absences due to illness, with several districts canceling classes in the past two weeks. William Schaffner, spokesman for the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, says seeking treatment for the flu and COVID-19 is vital. Most Iowans likely have at least one high-risk factor for COVID and the flu, but Schaffner says many don’t realize they have a greater chance of developing a severe illness if they’re infected.

“People with chronic health issues, such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart and lung disease, are at increased risk for serious complications,” Schaffner says. “Other common risk factors include being overweight, obese, or immuno-compromised.” Flu and COVID vaccines are still available in Iowa, with many clinics offering them for free. If you think you might be sick, Schaffner says to consult a professional. Studies find antiviral meds reduce the risk of hospitalization by 60-percent for flu, cut the risk of hospitalization due to COVID by more than 50-percent, and the risk of death by 75-percent.

“Although COVID-19 and flu antiviral treatments are effective in reducing the risk of hospitalization and death, they are widely underused,” Schaffner says. “Antivirals are available with a prescription and are designed to be given early on to prevent symptoms from becoming more severe.” Antivirals are most effective when started as soon as possible after being infected, he says, within five days after the first symptoms of COVID begin, and within two days after flu symptoms start. In some Iowa communities, over-the-counter and prescription antivirals are reportedly in very short supply.

(Radio Iowa) – A group of Republican lawmakers has introduced six bills that would strengthen landowner rights in response to the potential use of eminent domain for a carbon capture pipeline. The Iowa Utilities Commission has given conditional approval for Summit Carbon Solutions to move forward with pipeline construction in Iowa to capture carbon dioxide from ethanol plants — IF South Dakota regulators approve construction of that segment of the pipeline. Republican Representative Charley Thomson of Charles City says the commission made several errors that must be addressed. “And we’ll continue to work because we have lots of other ideas that we think need to be put into law, to put some guardrails around the IUC’s process,” Thomson says, “and protect the constitutional rights of Iowans.”

Greene County Attorney Thomas Laehn says the pipeline the biggest boondoggle in Iowa history.  “These bills will return power to the people, will ensure that our laws are consistent with the values and beliefs of the vast majority of Iowans, and will protect our property from further invasions by private companies.” House Speaker Pat Grassley says the six bills may be combined into one or two packages, but each of the six will get a subcommittee hearing first.

“It shows that we’re continuing to be thoughtful a serious about all of these different proposals, bringing attention to each of them,” Grassley said, “and we’ll make some legislation decisions on the best path forward.” The House has passed several bills about eminent domain and pipelines that carry a hazardous substance like liquid carbon dioxide — but none have passed the Iowa Senate. The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association criticized this latest group of House bills as the wrong policy at the wrong time.

Monte Shaw, the associations executive director, says the bills would prevent Iowa-made ethanol from competing in markets where low-carbon or no-carbon fuels are favored.

(Creston, Iowa) – A traffic stop just after 12-a.m. today (Friday) at Highway 34 and Pole Road, in Creston, resulted in a man’s arrest on drug and other charges. The Creston Police Department reports 54-year-old Charles Ray Balius, of Creston, was charged with: Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana-1st offense; Possession of a Controlled Substance/Methamphetamine-1st Offense; Possession of a Controlled Substance/Other-1st Offense; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Driving While Barred.

Balius was being held in the Union County Jail on a $5,300 cash or approved surety bond.