A judge in Audubon County has sentenced a southern Iowa man to 25-years in prison for his role in a 2011 crash that claimed the life of a Hamlin teen. Judge James Richardson handed down the sentence late this (Monday) morning against 57-year old Kendall L. Ware, of Lineville, despite a request from Ware’s attorney for a new trial, because, he said “No reasonable jury could have determined based on the evidence presented, that (Ware) was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence,” and that his “Being under the influence caused the death,” of 17-year old Kristopher George Crawley, and seriously injured Jason Rattenborg, of Audubon.  He also said the court did not submit to the jury the defense’ instructions based on foundation.

This past May, a jury found Ware guilty of Vehicular Homicide/OWI, and Serious Injury by Vehicle. The judge today (Monday) denied the request for a new trial. Ware had faced up to 30-years in prison on two combined felony charges, and fines amounting to $7,500, but the Judge ordered Ware to serve 25-years on the first charge and 5-years for the second, with the sentences to be served concurrently, or, at the same time. The Judge also ordered Ware to pay $150,000 to Crawley’s family, and to pay Rattenborg’s medical and personal loss costs. He must also pay a $1,500 fine associated with the second charge. Ware’s license was revoked for 6-years. He will be required to live at the Iowa Classification Center in Oakdale for the duration of his sentence.

Ware was the driver of a pickup that collided with an SUV occupied by Crawley and Rattenborg. The accident happened during the late night hours of October 19^th, 2011 on Highway 71, north of Brayton. Ware’s passenger, Mark Anthony Piearson, of Leon, was also injured. Ware had a blood-alcohol content of .205, following the crash, or more than 2½ times the legal limit. During the months following an investigation into the crash, Ware fled the area. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and he was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service, in North Dakota.

In a statement to the family of the victims, Ware issued a tearful, choked-up apology, and asked for their forgiveness, and said he has lived with the nightmare of his actions ever since the crash happened. The mother of George Crawley also issued a statement, saying her life has been forever changed as well, and that forgiveness was not something that would happen any time soon. She also said she had been dealing with depression since the loss of her son.

Crawley’s father showed a picture of his son to Ware. He told him Ware stole his son from him, and the man he could have become. Rattenborg’s mother also spoke, and said both she and Jason were devastated by the incident. She said he wants the memory of that night to go away, and wishes he could have died too, with his best friend.

A former Harlan Community High School teacher has seen his teaching license permanently revoked. According to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners, Lee G. Nelson voluntarily surrendered his license following a complaint filed against him. Nelson taught at Harlan Community for 35 years, retired in 2002 but has since filled in roles at the school district.

Recently, Nelson was hired by the Harlan Community school board as a mentor for the music program with the new band director for the high school Chaz Neuvirth. Nelson resigned from that position in April of this year. The Harlan Community School District has been legally told not to comment on the situation. Nelson had an opportunity to contest the allegations made in the complaint, but waived his rights.

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners accepted Nelson’s resignation of his teaching license and permanently revoked it on June 21st.

(Joel McCall/KNOD)

The Atlantic Police Department reports the arrest of numerous individuals over the weekend. On Sunday, officers arrested 25-year old Kayla Ashburn, of Atlantic, on a Cass County warrant for Theft in the 5th degree…34-year old Summer Ewing, of Atlantic, for OWI/1st offense…and 55-year old Eric Torkelson, of West Des Moines, for OWI/2nd offense.

On Saturday, 25-year old Chance Young, of Atlantic, was arrested for Domestic Abuse Assault and Child Endangerment. And, on Friday, officers with the Atlantic P-D arrested 37-year old Samantha Clark, of Atlantic, for Domestic Abuse/Simple Assault, and 54-year old Gail Christensen, of Omaha, for Public Intoxication.

Each of those persons were booked into the Cass County jail and held, pending an appearance before the magistrate.

(9-a.m. News)

A man from Adair County faces charges in Taylor County, following an incident which occurred Sunday afternoon.

Levi Huffman

According to Lenox Police, officers were dispatched to East Temple Street at around 4:40-p.m. in response to an assault.

Following investigation into the incident, 20-year old Levi A. Huffman, of Greenfield, was arrested for simple assault/domestic. He was transported to the Taylor County Sheriffs Office for processing, and was being held without bond pending an appearance before the magistrate.