The Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office has three new deputies. Sheriff’s officials report Rod Pavelka (the former Police Chief in Guthrie Center, Steven Henry (a former Deputy in Decatur County), and Blake Michelsen (who formerly served as an officer with the Belmond Police Dept.), all began serving as Guthrie County Deputies, in July.

left to right: Rod Pavelka,Steven Henry, and Blake Michelsen. (Photo courtesy the Guthrie County S/O)

The Harlan Police Department has issued a report on arrests and incidents that have taken place since late last month. In the report released today (Tuesday), officials said charges of Burglary in the 3rd degree & Possession of Stolen Property were filed July 23rd with the Shelby County clerk of court, against 30-year old Tiffanie Newcomb, of Logan. Authorities allege Newcomb broke into a vehicle owned by, and the residence of, Mike Vogelzang, of Harlan. Additional charges of tampering with a witness were filed at a later date. 34-year old Wesley Brayman, of Omaha, was also charged with possession of stolen property in connection with the same incident.

On July 24th, Harlan Police arrested 29-year old Zachary Scheffler, and 28-year old Joey Ranney Jr, both from Harlan, after officers were called to the 1000 block of Tarkington for a possible domestic abuse assault in progress. As a result of the investigation and a later traffic stop, Scheffler and Ranney were taken into custody and transported to the Shelby County Jail. Scheffler was charged with domestic abuse assault, for allegedly striking Ashley McWilliams, of Harlan. Scheffler was also charged with delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and prohibited acts penalties. Ranney was charged with driving while barred and was later charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and prohibited acts penalties. He was also arrested July 30th, for Violating a No Contact Order.

On July 25th, 33-year old Bruce Spray, of Harlan, was taken into custody for allegedly violating a No Contact Order. Spray was transported to the Shelby County Jail. On August 1st, Harlan Police arrested 21-year old Alexis Martin, of Kimballton, on an OWI charge, following a traffic stop. Martin was also cited for speeding. On August 2nd, 23-year old Crystal Oliver, of Harlan, was arrested when officers were called to a public disturbance in the 2300 block of 7th Street. Oliver was taken to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with public intoxication and disorderly conduct.

On August 3rd, 32-year old Justin Henriksen, of Harlan, was taken into custody by Harlan Police when officers were called to investigate a theft of electricity from a neighboring residence. Henriksen was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with theft 5th degree and trespass. That same day, 35-year old Patrick Schmitz was taken into custody after officers were called to investigate burglaries at Touch of Class and Victoria Station. As a result of the investigation Schmitz was charged with two counts of 2nd degree burglary and 2nd degree theft.

The next day (August 4th), 44-year old Jeffrey Ross, of Portsmouth, was arrested after officers were to the Harlan Fareway Store, with regard to a shoplifting incident. Ross was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with 5th degree theft. And on August 7th, 42-year old Kristal Johnston, of Harlan, was taken into custody on an active Shelby County warrant for probation violation. Johnston was transported to the Shelby County Jail.

The Harlan Police Department reports also, on August 4th, officers were called to investigate an incident where several tools and vehicle parts were stolen, and a residence broken into. The estimated value of items stolen was $1,600.00. Their investigation is ongoing.

Officials with the Mills County Sheriff’s Office report the arrest Saturday afternoon of a Page County man on drug and other charges. 59-year old Randy Lee Archer, of Shenandoah, faces charges that include OWI/3rd offense, Possession of Controlled Substance and Driving While Revoked. Archer was also cited for Open Container and Operating Non-registered Vehicle. His bond was set at $9,000. Also arrested Saturday afternoon, was 36-year old Nicholas Thomas Rohrberg, of Council Bluffs, who was taken into custody on a warrant for Theft in the 2nd degree. His bond was set at $5,000.

On Sunday, deputies in Mills County arrested 19-year old Andrew Chapin Hunt, of Malvern, for OWI/2nd offense. Hunt was also cited for Possession of Alcohol Under the Age of 21 and Failure to Maintain Control. Bond was also set at $2,000. And on Monday, 21-year old Tyler Allen Dittus, of Carson, was arrested in Mills County for Driving While Barred. His Bond was also set at $2,000.

(Updated 12:15-p.m.)

TREYNOR, Iowa (AP) – State officials have suspended the license of the Treynor schools superintendent for 30 days, saying he should not have let his son work unsupervised as a custodian for the district after the boy was accused of inappropriate sexual conduct. The Board of Educational Examiners also ruled last week that a letter of reprimand would be given to Superintendent Kevin Elwood.

Elwood was accused of two violations of Iowa Educational Code, including failing to make reasonable efforts to protect the health and safety of students. His attorney didn’t return a call Tuesday.

In September 2013 Elwood’s son, Kreighton Elwood, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault and one of false imprisonment. He was sentenced to 14 days in jail, two years of probation and ordered to register as a sex offender.

On this 11th day of August, Alliant Energy reminds customers and residents of Iowa to call 811, before any digging on project. It’s important for everyone, from homeowners to professional contractors, to call before you dig all year. Officials hope this date, 8/11, will be a good reminder.

Richard Sublett, Senior Manager of Compliance & Operational Performance for Alliant Energy says “Nationally, failure to call before digging results in more than 60,000 unintentional hits of underground utility lines annually. Not only is calling a good idea, it’s the law.”

When you call 811, your state’s One Call center notifies utility companies of the project. Homeowners and contractors should call at least three business days before digging. Professional locators will mark the approximate locations of underground lines for free.

Officials say you should “Dig with CARE,” by:

C – Calling 811 before you dig
A – Allowing two business days for marks to be made
R – Respecting the marks; hand dig within 18 inches
E – Excavating carefully

For additional information, visit alliantenergy.com/call811 or call 811.