The Mills County Sheriff’s Department reports four men were arrested Wednesday on Possession of Stolen Property/Theft in the 1st degree, and two counts each of Possession of Stolen Property/Theft in the 2nd degree. The men, all of whom are from Pacific Junction, were identified as: 19-year old Bragun Michael Michaelsen, 33-year old Timothy Eugene Truhlicka, 31-year old Jason Richard Marasco, and 34-year old Adam Michael Michaelsen.

Bragun Michaelsen was arrested at the Mills County Sheriff’s Office, while the other suspects were taken into custody at a location on Depot Street in Pacific Junction. Each was being held in the Mills County Jail on $20,000 bond.

Officials report also, the arrest on Thursday (Oct. 4th), of 49-year old Jack William Yost, of Shenandoah,  on charges of OWI/1st offense and Open Container. His bond was set at $1,465.  Earlier that same day, 19-year old Robert James Bailey, of Omaha, NE, was arrested in Washington County, NE, on a Warrant for Probation Violation. His bond was set at $10,000.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – The Iowa Republican Party is calling planned police traffic checkpoints in western Polk County this weekend unnecessary and are urging motorists who are stopped to comply albeit minimally.   The position by the state GOP is being criticized by influential Republican establishment figures as outside the party’s charge.

It marks another in a series of disagreements over strategy between the party’s statewide organization, led by supporters of former Texas Congressman Ron Paul, and longtime party leaders led by Gov. Terry Branstad. State party spokesman Steve Bierfeldt says the police checkpoints announced Friday don’t improve public safety and are a waste of the officers’ time.

Longtime Republican fundraiser and strategist Doug Gross of Des Moines says the party’s statement was “nuts,” and a distraction from the goal of winning elections.

Clarinda Police Chief Keith Brothers, Friday, released a summary of his department’s recent activities, including arrests and incidents. Brothers say on Wednesday, Savannah Ashley Race, of Clarinda, was arrested on a Page County District Court warrant for Conspiracy, Theft in the 2nd degree, and misdemeanor trespass. And, on Tuesday, James Linly Moses, of Shambaugh, was arrested on a Page County warrant for Simple Assault.

Last Sunday, Ronda Jean Jackson, of Clarinda, was arrested for Theft in the 5th degree (shoplifting), and Samantha Ann Wright, of Clarinda, was arrested for Driving While Barred.

The Clarinda P-D also investigated an incident early last week (Sept. 27th), of a male 16-year old allegedly possessing drug paraphernalia. The matter was referred to Juvenile Court. That same day, officers dealt with escape of a 16-year old male from the Clarinda Academy. And, on Oct. 3rd, a Clarinda resident reported an incident of arson which resulted in the destruction of her property located in the 500 block of South 10th Street.