(Radio Iowa) – A southeast Iowa educator has been placed on administrative leave and a student faces expulsion after the video of an incident at Pekin Community School District building was posted on social media Friday. The video shows a student punching and kicking another student while on the floor in a lunchroom.

After several punches and kicks to the head, a staffer can be heard saying stop and then the staffer enters the frame, but the assault continued. Even after being separated for a few moments, the student kicked the downed female victim two more times before leaving the frame.

A statement from Pekin Superintendent Derek Philips stated the event “does not meet our high expectations for a safe school environment.” Once the video was circulated on social media, questions arose about how the staffer handled the situation. The staffer, who is not identified, has been put on leave with pay until further review.

DES MOINES, Iowa (Sept. 6, 2022) — Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented today (Tuesday) on the Iowa Crop Progress and Condition Report released by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report is released weekly April through November.

“The weather could not have been better for Farm Progress Show attendees last week as exhibitors highlighted and demonstrated the latest innovations across the ag sector,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Now that we are past the Labor Day holiday and the days of summer dwindle, farmers are keeping a close eye on outlooks in preparation for harvest. With the potential for warm and dry conditions through fall, we need to remain vigilant for potential fire hazards as combines start to roll.”

The weekly report is also available on the USDA’s website at nass.usda.gov.

Crop Report

Continuing mostly dry conditions across most of the State resulted in 6.1 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending September 4, 2022, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Fieldwork included harvesting corn for silage, cutting hay, seeding cover crops, and preparing equipment for harvest.

Topsoil moisture condition rated 16 percent very short, 30 percent short, 53 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 19 percent very short, 31 percent short, 49 percent adequate and 1 percent surplus. Moisture levels in the Northwest, West Central, Southwest, South Central and Southeast Districts of Iowa continued to be a concern with over 50 percent of both topsoil and subsoil considered short to very short.

Corn in or beyond dough stage was 96 percent. Seventy-one percent of Iowa’s corn crop reached the dent stage or beyond, 3 days behind last year but 1 day ahead of average. Ten percent of the State’s corn crop was mature, 2 days behind both last year and the 5-year average. Corn condition remained 66 percent good to excellent. Ninety-seven percent of soybeans were setting pods. Soybeans coloring or beyond reached 20 percent, 5 days behind last year and 4 days behind the 5-year average. Soybeans began dropping leaves at 2 percent, 1 week behind last year and almost a week behind the average. Soybean condition rated 66 percent good to excellent. Oats harvested for grain neared completion at 96 percent.

Seventy-six percent of the State’s third cutting of alfalfa hay was complete, 5 days behind average. Pasture condition rated 32 percent good to excellent. Producers were supplementing short pastures with hay and grain.

(Harlan, Iowa) – Officials with the Harlan Police Department report six arrests took place from August 18th through Sept. 1st.

September 1, 2022: Donald David Jacobsen, age 42, Harlan, was arrested following a call for service. Jacobsen was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with domestic abuse assault.

August 31, 2022: Ricky Lee Komor Jr, age 21, Council Bluffs, was arrested following a traffic stop. Komor was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with driving while suspended and possession of a controlled substance; Alejandro Hernandez, age 21, Harlan, was arrested following a traffic stop. Hernandez was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with driving while suspended and possession of drug paraphernalia; Tammy Jo Sales, age 53, Council Bluffs, was arrested following a traffic stop. Sales was transported to the Shelby County Jail where she was charged with driving while suspended, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance.

August 20th: Mamuch Diw Guin, age 32, Harlan, was arrested following a call for service. Guin was transported to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with public intoxication.

August 18, 2022: Lydell Jay Smith, age 36, Omaha, NE, was arrested on an active warrant. Smith was transported to the Shelby County Jail.

(Clarinda, Iowa) – The Page County Sheriff’s Office reports four property damage (no injury) accidents took place between Aug 19th and the 31st…

• 08/19/2022: Cheryl Beaver of rural Clarinda, was operating a 2013 Lincoln MKT pulling northbound out of her driveway in the 2400 block of 180th. Cael Wagoner was operating a 2011 Chevy Silverado traveling west on 180th just east of Beaver’s driveway. Beaver stated that she didn’t see Wagoner’s vehicle and struck it. No injuries were reported. No damage was reported to Wagoner’s vehicle. Beaver’s vehicle was estimated at $2000.
• 08/20/2022: Megan Sands of Red Oak, was the driver and only occupant of a 2020 Ford Escape traveling northbound in the 1800 block of E Ave. The passenger side tires of Sands vehicle dropped off the pavement. Sands vehicle went into the east ditch, struck a guide wire for a power pole which cause the vehicle to roll in the northbound ditch. No injuries were reported. Damage to Sands vehicle estimated at $35,000.
• 08/22/2022 Osvaldo Munoz of Fort Smith, AR was operating a 2005 Ford Mustang turning east onto Highway 2 from W Avenue. Scott Hardy of rural Shenandoah, was operating a 2014 Ford F150 eastbound on Highway 2. Munoz pulled into the path of Hardy and then continued to drive eastbound on Highway 2. Hardy followed and called PAGECOMM dispatch. Munoz stopped in New Market, IA approximately 3 miles from the accident scene. No injuries were reported. Damage to Munoz’s vehicle is estimated at $500. Damage to Hardy’s vehicle is estimated at $2500.00. Munoz was cited for Failure to possess a valid License.
• and on August 31st, David Weuve of Haverhill was operating a 2012 Peterbilt pulling a livestock trailer southbound on Highway 71 in the 1200 block. Weuve struck a cow owned by Dustin Fast of rural Villisca, that had wandered onto the Highway. Damage to Weuve’s vehicle was estimated at $20,000. The value of Fast’s cow was estimated at $1,500.

(Clarinda, Iowa) – Page County Sheriff Lyle Palmer, today (Tuesday), released a list of persons arrested and incidents investigated, between August 23rd and Sept. 6th. With regard to arrests:

• Amy Hudson of Clarinda, was arrested August 23rd on a valid Page County warrant for failure to appear.
• On the 28th, Clayton Tillman of Shenandoah, was arrested for on two separate counts of Sex Offender Registry. His arrest stems from an investigation.
• On the 29th, David James of Albany, MO, was arrested for Disorderly Conduct at Nodaway Valley Park.
• August 31st, Page County Deputies arrested Steven Esaias, of Clarinda, for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Arrest stems from an investigation.
• David James of Albany, MO. was arrested Sept. 3rd in Page County, on a valid warrant Failure to Appear original charge was Disorderly Conduct. Arrest took place in the 1900 block of Hickory Ave.
• Neil Hacker of Elmo, MO, was arrested Sept.5th in the 1300 blk of 190th ST during an investigation. Hacker was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamines) 3rd or subsequent offense, Burglary 3rd, Theft 4th Degree and Trespass with Intent. Arrest stems from an investigation.
• And, on Sept. 6th, Justin Parson, of Shenandoah, was arrested for Criminal Mischief 1st Degree and Possession of a controlled Substance – 2nd Offense. Arrest stems from an investigation.

Sheriff Palmer says the following incidents were reported to his office:

08/19/2022: 1999 160th Southwest Iowa REC reported theft of copper wire estimated at $4,000.00 from electrical substation.
08/22/2022: 2557 N Ave. Northwest Electric Power COOP reported theft of copper wire stolen from electric Substation. Estimated value of cooper $910.00. Estimated damage to Fence $2,500.00
08/29/2022: Chris Eickemeyer reported an assault that occurred on Thursday, 08/25/2022 at Nodaway Valley Park.
09/03/2022: 1447 200th ST Criminal Mischief & Trespass with damage above $300 reported. Property owner is Tim Bowers.
09/05/2022: The Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of a white Tahoe shooting out of the windows of the vehicle in the 2300 block of F Avenue. Vehicle located. Case turned over to the Iowa DNR, who arrived at the location, for hunting violations.
09/05/2022: 11:00 PM MidAmerican Sub-station near the intersection of HWY 71 and 210th ST had a power outage occur. The Sheriff’s Office was summoned to take a report of Criminal Mischief and theft of stolen copper wire. An arrest was made in the morning hours of 09/06/2022 from this incident.

(Glenwood, Iowa) – The Mills County Sheriff’s Office today (Tuesday), said there were 10 arrests that took place between August 31st and Sept. 6th. On Tuesday (Sept. 6), 41-year-old Donovan Edward Hankins, of Tabor, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault, and Interference with Official Acts. He was being held without bond in the Mills County Jail.

There were three arrests on Sunday, Sept. 4th: 31-year-old Sarah Michele Salado, of Bellevue, NE, was arrested on I-29, for False ID of a Law/Public Officer ($300 bond); 27-year-old Dakota John Allen, of Hastings (IA), was arrested for Driving Under Suspension, with bond set at $300; and, 49-year-old Lawrence Anthony Cipolla, of Council Bluffs, was arrested Sunday afternoon at the Pottawattamie County Jail, on a warrant for Violation of Probation, with bond set at $5,000.

Taken into custody Sept. 3rd, in Mills County, was 30-year-old Aaron Ray McDaniel, of Malvern, for Driving While Revoked (Bond $1,000). And, 61-year-old Mark Alan Schmahl, of St. Joseph, MO., was arrested at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office, on a warrant for Failure To Appear on a Sentencing Order. He was being held without bond.

Mills County Deputies arrested Deanna Lynn Hamilton, of LeMars, on Sept. 2nd, for Violation of a No Contact Order ($300 bond). And, 28-year-old Cassidy Marie Colebank, of Omaha, was arrested for Child Endangerment, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Poss. of Drug Paraphernalia (Bond $5,000).

On Sept. 1st, 43-year-old Sara Alayne Johnson, of Glenwood, was arrested for Driving While Barred (Bond $2,000), and on Aug. 31st, 43-year-old Kevin James Woolf, of Council Bluffs, was arrested at the Pott. County Jail, on a Mills County warrant for Harassment in the 3rd Degree. He was being held without bond, in the Mills County Jail.

Des Moines – The Iowa Insurance Division is beginning the claims process to reimburse customers harmed by Andrew Joyce of Joyce Funeral Home in Emmetsburg, Iowa, following a Polk County District Court ruling that approved the Iowa Insurance Division’s request to begin the claims process.

The claims process follows the Iowa Insurance Division’s appointment as receiver of the Joyce Funeral Home on June 5, 2020.  The Iowa Insurance Division sought to be appointed receiver when its investigation revealed a number of deposits that could not be matched to a burial, which suggested that thousands of dollars in preneed purchase agreements had been sold and the money had not been placed in trust, as required by Iowa law. The Iowa Insurance Division’s goal in the receivership has been to collect all the assets of the Joyce Funeral Home and to make them available to consumers who were harmed by this conduct.

The receivership action follows a previous cease and desist order issued in October of 2019.  The Iowa Insurance Division’s Fraud Bureau also investigated Joyce’s conduct and filed criminal complaints against Joyce charging him with one count of Ongoing Criminal Conduct (B Felony), one count of Theft 1st Degree (Class C Felony), one count of Theft 2nd Degree (Class D Felony), and one count of Failure to Trust Preneed Funeral Services (Class D Felony). “Letters via postal mail will be sent to those known to have been harmed in this case in the coming days, however, there may be more people still out there that have not yet come forward,” Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said.  “I encourage any and all Iowans that have been harmed to fill out a claim form either online or via mail for our office to review.”

Known customers that have been harmed will be sent a letter.  Customers harmed may submit a claim online or by sending the Iowa Insurance Division a completed paper claim form.  Claims must be submitted on or before Monday, November 7, 2022. Submitting any supporting documentation with the claim form will help the Iowa Insurance Division evaluate and process the claim.  Customers harmed may still make a claim even if they do not have all or any of the documentation for the claim.

If you have any questions regarding the claims process, contact Connie Dykstra by email at connie.dykstra@iid.iowa.gov or by phone at (515) 314-9380.

(Radio Iowa) – The Iowa Court of Appeals has denied a Muscatine man’s appeal of his murder conviction in the death of his pregnant girlfriend. David Hatfield called police in 2019 and told them his girlfriend Kaitlyn Palmer had shot herself with a handgun. He later changed his story and said he shot her as part of an assisted suicide. He was convicted of first-degree murder. Palmer’s mother testified during the trial her daughter had attempted suicide once, but the mother said it was a plea for attention and she told her she would never attempt suicide again. Hatfield said in his appeal the statement was hearsay and should not have been allowed. The Appeals Court ruling says the statement was relevant to the case and the district court properly allowed it.

(Radio Iowa) – Union Pacific says the timeline for repairs at the site of Monday’s train derailment in northeast Iowa is unknown. Forty-four Union Pacific train cars derailed on and around a railroad bridge north of Hampton. A statement from the company indicates most of the cars have been removed from the track and crews have started to repair the track and the bridge. Hazardous materials crews are back at the site today, removing asphalt that spilled from the train into Otter Creek. The cause of the derailment is still under investigation according to Union Pacific. No one on the crew was injured when the train’s cars started leaving the track at about 3:30 Monday morning.

(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Firefighters, Police and Cass EMS were dispatched to a report of smoke coming from the back of residence this (Tuesday) morning. The call about the incident at 304 Hazel Street went out at 10:54-a.m.  A resident the home was able to escape without injury. Fire crews remained on the scene until 11:45-a.m. Atlantic Police and Cass County Sheriff’s Deputies were conducting interviews with a couple of women when KJAN News arrived.

Photo submitted to KJAN

According to Fire Chief Tom Cappel, when crews arrived they found the back window had been knocked out, and a grill was at the base of the area where the fire appeared to have started.

Ric Hanson/KJAN News (photos)

An earlier reported indicated Cass County Sheriff Darby McLaren handcuffed a man at the scene, but it’s not clear if he was being detained in connection with the incident. No further information is available at this time. The fire remains under investigation.