The latest weather statement from the National Weather Service points to an ever-increasing risk for severe thunderstorms across Iowa, today. Scattered thunderstorms may be moving northeast out of Nebraska into western Iowa and may contain large hail over an inch in diameter. More vigorous activity is expected to develop by mid to late afternoon over northwest Iowa then shift east into this evening.

The latest outlook shows an increased risk for damaging winds and large hail.

Very strong storms are expected with this activity. Initial storms may produce very large hail and a few tornadoes before evolving into a damaging wind threat by mid to late evening. Heavy rainfall is possible as well, especially over northern Iowa. Localized flash flooding may occur with storms producing intense rainfall rates.

(Updated 9:45-a.m.)

Police in Atlantic arrested a local teen over weekend on assault and drug charges. Officials say 17-year old Lucas Stone, of Atlantic, faces charges that include Domestic Abuse Assault, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Stone was arrested Saturday and transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in Council Bluffs and held until making a court appearance.

Also arrested Saturday was 38-year old Ezra Sedina, of Atlantic, on a charge of Public Intoxication. And, 27-year old Andre Sabatine, of Glenwood, was arrested Sunday in Atlantic, on a charge of OWI/3rd offense. Both men were booked into the Cass County Jail.

As summer approaches, the number of farmer’s markets, roadside food stands, and other outdoor markets grows. The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) reminds Iowans that warmer weather makes it even more important to ensure food is properly transported, cooked and stored. IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk says “The variety of fresh foods available at outdoor markets means you should come prepared when shopping. Bring a cooler with ice to transport perishable products home and just as you should when shopping at a grocery store, buy cold foods like meat and poultry last, right before leaving.”

Drive directly home from the market so the food doesn’t sit in a hot car any longer than necessary. Once home, place meat and poultry and fresh non-pasteurized items, like salsas and guacamole, in the refrigerator right away. Freeze poultry and ground meat that won’t be used in one or two days and freeze other meat within four to five days. Whether purchased at a grocery store or roadside stand, it’s always important to wash your hands before and after handling food. In addition, always keep your kitchen, dishes and utensils clean, and always use one plate for raw foods, and another for cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination. For more information on food safety, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/Cade/Foodborne.aspx.

Summer is also prime garage sale season. Buyers and sellers should be aware of potential safety issues with children’s toys and cribs. Make sure items are in good working order. Also, check the online database from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (www.saferproducts.gov) to ensure these items have not been recalled due to safety issues. For example, some cribs with drop sides have been recalled because they can trap and injure children.

Dr. Quinlisk said “Also, bed bugs have been making national headlines for years. Mattresses and sleeper sofas (that have been slept on) are two of the main places these bugs hide out. If buying used beds or mattresses, check them carefully for signs of bed bugs.” Small bloodstains from crushed bed bugs or dark brown spots from their droppings may be evident on mattresses. Because young bed bugs shed their skin several times, the “empty shells” may also be evident.

While bed bugs do not transmit disease, their bites cause large, itchy welts. Although infestations can be treated by pest control companies, it’s best to avoid selling or buying mattresses with signs of bed bugs. For more information, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/eh/healthy_homes.asp.

w/ Ric Hanson

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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – A new report says the number of doctors practicing in Iowa has risen again.
The Iowa Board of Medicine report says more than 6,800 physicians worked in the state last year. That’s up 2 percent from 2012 and 12 percent from 2006.

The Des Moines Register reports that despite the increase, the state still has fewer doctors per capita than the U.S. average and faces a marked shortage in some medical specialties and rural regions. But the number of doctors has risen much faster than the state’s population over the past three decades.

The state and federal governments have programs that encourage doctors to move to rural Iowa. Rewards include assistance in repaying student loans, and, for foreign doctors, visas they can use to stay in the United States.

Here’s a reminder that you can help send-off area veterans as they prepare to depart for their Honor Flight to Washington, D-C this (Monday) evening. Event Coordinator Steve Livengood says residents of Atlantic and anyone else who wants to receive and wave an 8×10-inch American flag while the veterans’ motorcade passes, can gather at any one of numerous locations along the route.

The buses and their motorcycle escort will leave the Cass County Community Center in Atlantic at approximately 7:30-p.m. and turn left (west) onto 10th Street. The motorcade will then turn east onto 7th Street and travel through Atlantic before continuing east on Highway 6 through Wiota and Anita on the way to the exit near Adair.

You may wave your own flag, or receive one of about 2,000 complimentary flags that will be available at the following distribution points:

10th street and Highway 6; Lindeman Tractor/skating rink; The Atlantic City Park; Iowa Western Community College; Ann Wickman Child Care Center; 7th and Gade Insurance; the former Custom Auto Body & Sound building on 7th Street; Orscheln Farm & Home; the Hy-Vee Food Store; Wal-Mart Supercenter; Nishna Valley Cycle and Outfitters Plus…all in Atlantic.

In Wiota, at the Post Office and Wiota Methodist Church. In Anita, at the Anita Public Library/City Ark, and at the Jesse James Monument off Highway 6 near Interstate 80. Plan to arrive about 6:30 PM to find your place along the route.

The 150 veterans on the Honor Flight are from all branches of the military. 84 are from Atlantic, 120 are from Cass County, including Atlantic. The oldest is 93, the youngest is 31. There are four women and 146 men who will be making the trip. The veterans will spend the night in Des Moines before departing at Sunrise Tuesday their flight to D. C.

The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms are possible across Iowa, today. Scattered thunderstorms may develop this morning and may contain an attendant large hail threat up to the size of quarters. More vigorous activity is expected to develop by mid to late afternoon over northwest Iowa then shift east into this evening.

Very strong storms are expected with this activity. Initial storms may produce very large hail and a few tornadoes before evolving into a damaging wind threat by mid to late evening. Heavy rainfall is possible as well, especially over northern Iowa. Localized flash flooding may occur with storms producing intense rainfall rates.

AMES, Iowa (AP) – A fire forced closure of a dining center on the west side of the Iowa State University campus in Ames. The fire at the Union Drive Marketplace dining room was reported early Sunday morning. The Des Moines Register reports that flames were isolated to the grill area. An automated fire suppression system helped put out the blaze.

No injuries have been reported. University spokeswoman Annette Hacker says the damage doesn’t seem severe. The fire cause is being investigated.

Police in Red Oak report one person suffered possible injuries but refused medical treatment, following a collision Sunday afternoon in the 1200 block of north 5th Street. Officials say at around 2:25-p.m., the boom portion of a truck that was backing out of an alley, struck a car that had just backed out of another alley, and had proceeded to head north on north 5th street.

The driver of the 2000 Dodge van struck by the boom truck on the left rear side, was identified as 73 year old Kathryn Baker, of Red Oak. The driver of the truck was identified as 42-year old Trevor Hale, of Red Oak.

Officials say the booms may have obstructed Hale’s view as he was backing out of the alley. Damage from the accident amounted to $4,000. No citations were issued.

And, Red Oak Police report the arrest Sunday night of 52-year old David Lawrence Howe. Howe, of Red Oak, was taken into custody at around 10:35-p.m. in the 100 block of S. 4th Street, on a charge of Trepass. He was being held Sunday night on $300 bond, in the Montgomery County Law Enforcement Center.