DES MOINES – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has announced the appointment of a Taylor County man, James Johnson, of Gravity, to serve as the next Superintendent of Banking in the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services beginning January 1, 2024. Johnson currently serves as the President and CEO of PCSB Bank, a family-owned community bank located in Clarinda.  He has been with PCSB Bank in a variety of roles since 2000.  He has served on the Board of the Iowa Bankers Association, where he also chaired the group’s Agriculture Committee.  Johnson graduated from Northwest Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business.  He is also a graduate of the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado-Boulder.

James Johnson

Johnson will replace Jeff Plagge who has announced that he will retire at the end of the year.  Plagge has served as the Superintendent of Banking since September of 2019. Governor Reynolds says Johnson “Is a proven leader with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the banking industry that was forged in rural Iowa. His forward-thinking nature will serve him and the industry well as he protects the interests of those doing business with Iowa banks and other consumer lenders.”

Johnson said he’s “Excited and honored to be named the State of Iowa’s next Superintendent of Banking. Iowa’s banks play a pivotal role in the communities they serve and Iowa’s overall economy.  I look forward to serving the people of Iowa in this important role.”

Governor Reynolds said also, that she thanks Jeff Plagge “for his commendable service to the state of Iowa and ensuring that this transition of leadership at the Iowa Division of Banking will allow Iowa to continue our tradition of great banking regulation leadership.”

The Superintendent of Banking is appointed to a four-year term by the Governor and the appointment is subject to confirmation by the Iowa Senate.

(Greenfield, Iowa) – Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater reports a man from Connecticut was arrested last week, following a traffic stop on Interstate 80, in Adair County. A Trooper with the Iowa State Patrol stopped a 2023 Chevy Tahoe at around 1:40-p.m. on Dec. 13th, for following too close to another vehicle. During interactions with the driver of the Tahoe, 40-year-old Jacob Brett Woodward, of Windsor, CT., the Trooper detected an odor of raw marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. While Woodward was looking for his vehicle paperwork, the Trooper observed in the center console of the vehicle, a plastic container with a zip lock bag that held a green leafy substance, as well as what appeared to be a rolled marijuana blunt.

A probable cause search of the vehicle resulted in the location of THC as well as raw marijuana. Jacob Woodward was arrested for Possession with the Intent to Deliver/Marijuana (2 counts of PCS), a controlled substance violation (Schedule 4 & 5 substances), Failure to Affix a Drug Tax Stamp, and Keeping a vehicle or premise for controlled substance(s).  Woodward was released later that same day on a $5,000 cash or surety bond.

And, at around 10:35-p.m. on Dec. 16th, Police in Stuart arrested 42-year-old Wendi Nicole Wright, of Stuart, on an Adair County warrant for Violation of Probation. Wright was being held without bond in the Adair County Jail, pending an appearance before the Magistrate.

(Council Bluffs, Iowa) – A man from Nebraska is being sought in connection with the shooting and death Sunday night, of a western Iowa man. Council Bluffs Police report 27-year-old Mensah Olloway, of Omaha, is suspected in the shooting of 62-year-old Gary Fredrick, of Council Bluffs.

Officers were dispatched to 127 Harrison Street in Council Bluffs at around 6:38-p.m., Sunday, following a report of a possible shooting that had just occurred. When Officers arrived, they found Gary Fredrick laying on the floor, suffering from what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. Fredrick was treated at the scene and then transported to the UNMC in Omaha, where he died from his injuries a short time later.

Mensah Olloway

Initial information indicates Fredrick arrived at the residence, and after a short time a disturbance broke out. During the disturbance, witnesses saw Olloway produce a hand gun before he allegedly fired several rounds at Fredrick. Olloway then ran from the scene and as of the latest report, had not been located.

Information is still being gathered on this incident. If you have any information on possible whereabouts of Olloway please contact the Council Bluffs Police Department at 712-328-4765 or Crime Stoppers at 712-328-7867.

December 2023 (DES MOINES, IA) – The Iowa Tourism Office announced the award of $398,800 in Iowa Tourism Grants to 45 organizations around the state. The program funds tourism-related marketing initiatives, meetings and events that benefit both local economies and the state’s economy with awards ranging from $2,500-10,000 with a 20% cash match. Amy Zeigler, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office says “We’re pleased to invest in campaigns that work to change the perception of tourism in Iowa and encourage more out-of-state visitation. These projects will help us continue the momentum and growth of our industry.”

Visitors spent more than $6.9 billion across Iowa’s economy in 2022, an increase of 13% over 2021 spending. This direct visitor spending sustained over 68,600 jobs and generated $1.1 billion in state and local tax revenues in 2022. “Tourism is a vital component to Iowa’s economy,” Zeigler said. “The $6.9 billion in visitor spending means nearly $18.9 million was spent daily by our visitors.”

The Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s beautifully vast scenery and unique history. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit traveliowa.com.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic City Council is expected to hold a brief session 5:30-p.m. Wednesday, in their Chambers at City Hall. Their agenda includes:

• Recognition of departing Second Ward Councilman Lee Sisco and Third Ward Councilman Pat McCurdy, as well as Fourth Ward Councilwoman Linda Hartkopf. The Mayor wishes to honor them for their years of faithful service to the City of Atlantic.
• The session will also include the Swearing-In of re-elected Councilman Jim Behrens, who, due to redistricting will represent the 2nd Ward, and newly elected Councilpersons Emily Kennedy – 1st Ward; Mike McDermott – 3rd Ward, and Shawn Sarsfield – 4th Ward.
• The Mayor will also issue the Oath of Office to re-elected Councilwoman Elaine Otte.

(Des Moines, Iowa) – State Treasurer Roby Smith is excited to launch the newly re-designed  CollegeSavingsIowa.com. “We gave it a fresh look that focuses on learning, investing and saving with the College Savings Iowa 529 plan,” said Smith. “We want future savers to have the tools they need to get started and give resources to help current savers navigate their path. Check it out on all devices, including mobile, to see what we’ve been doing to provide an enhanced experience for everyone.”

Visitors are encouraged to explore the website to discover information about College Savings Iowa, including investment options, tax benefits, qualified withdrawals and the benefits of saving for education. “This easy-to-navigate design of College Savings Iowa’s website matches how easy it is for families to save for education,” Smith said. “And what better timing than during the holiday season! Make sure to check out our Make a Gift page to discover why a College Savings Iowa account could be the perfect last-minute gift you’ve been looking for.”

Visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com to see the new website and to learn more about the Plan. Connect with College Savings Iowa on Facebook, Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, to stay up to date on all current events and updates.