DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Gov. Terry Branstad has named a longtime staffer as acting director of the Iowa Department of Corrections.  Branstad said Thursday that Jerry Bartruff will take over the job. He will replace retiring Director John Baldwin. Bartruff’s first day in the role will be Friday. He has worked in the department since 1982, most recently as deputy director for operations in the department’s eastern region.

Branstad called Bartruff a “capable professional” who could handle the transition.  Baldwin appeared before lawmakers earlier this week to discuss the long-delayed Iowa State Penitentiary. Baldwin said he still doesn’t know when the facility will open, noting that officials are studying a potential solution to a faulty smoke control system. The prison in Fort Madison was scheduled to open last March.

A man staying at a Creston motel was arrested Wednesday afternoon, on drug charges. The Creston P-D says 39-year old Robert Rix, of Shephardsglen Heath, TX, was charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Controlled Substance/Marijuana – 1st offense. Rix was later released from custody on $300 bond.

And, a woman residing at a home on Pine Street in Creston reported Tuesday afternoon, that someone took a debit card and her purse from her car, which was parked behind her residence. The loss was estimated at $55. The incident took place sometime between 7-p.m. Monday and 7-a.m. Tuesday.

(8-a.m. News)

Two people were arrested Wednesday afternoon on separate charges in Montgomery County. Sheriff’s officials say 28-year old Katie Marie Pierce, of Stanton, was arrested on a warrant for assault. Pierce was later released on $100 bond. And, 32-year old Ronald Glen Ballinger the 3rd, of Red Oak, was arrested on a warrant for violating a No Contact Order. He was subsequently released on a Recognizance Bond.

Sheriff’s officials in Adams County say a man was arrested Wednesday night after a person recorded an audio copy of a phone conversation and a callback number belonging to a person who was allegedly harassing them. 48-year old Edward Lee Avila, of Corning, was arrested at around 11-p.m. , on charges of Harassment and Impersonating a Public Official. Avila was being held in the Adams County Jail on $2,300 bond.

The Shelby Volunteer Fire Department currently has no members and now, no chief. The City Council fired all 12 members Monday evening. Now, The Daily NonPareil reports Shelby’s Fire Chief, Eric Wendt, resigned Wednesday morning. With no active members, the city of 641 is relying on Minden and Avoca to respond to any emergencies via a mutual aid agreement.