Two people who were the subject of notable court cases in CassCountywere sentenced Tuesday, in Atlantic. Judge James Richardson sentenced 56-year old Charles Collins Cutler, of Marne, to one-year of probation, in connection with the shooting of a Colorado woman’s dog on December 24^th, 2012. Richardson also ordered Cutler to perform four-hours of community service each week with the Atlantic Humane Society, and to make restitution to the owner of the dog, which amounted to $1,964.

Cutler, who was found guilty in April of Animal Abuse, is also required to surrender all of his firearms while on probation, and submit written letters to the local newspaper, apologizing for his actions. Cutler had faced up to 2-years in prison and fines of up $6,250, but the judge suspended the prison term in favor of probation.

And, a Griswold woman was sentenced Tuesday in Cass County District Court to a total of 20-years in prison, after her she plead guilty in March to drug, conspiracy and criminal mischief charges. 46-year old Katrina Sue Bates received five years in prison for Possession of a Controlled Substance, five years for Conspiracy, and 10 years for 1^st Degree Criminal Mischief. The sentences will run concurrently, and concurrent with a Federal sentence Bates received for Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in and around Cass County. Bates must also pay fines amounting to $2,500 plus court costs.

The Iowa Department on Aging is trying to make everyone aware of possible abuse of the elderly. Department spokesperson, Machelle Shaffer, says elder abuse is the “abuse, neglect and financial exploitation” of anyone who is age 60 or older. And they are urging people to educate themselves about the problem. “And to share what they learn with others, to report any concerns and to get involved in community prevention efforts, and make a long-term commitment to reach out to those who’re vulnerable. They may be our friends, our neighbors, our family members who’re older,” Shaffer says.

National data shows one in 13 people over the age 60 report some type of abuse. Shaffer says you can get involved without intruding on someone’s life. “People want their independence, they don’t want to have people impede on that, but it’s okay to ask questions and to offer help, or to just be a good listening ear,” Shaffer says. “And look for signs, look for some warning signs that may be signs of elder abuse. Things where their personality may have a drastic unexplained change. It could be self-neglect as well. They don’t seem to have any money, or don’t know where their money is.” There are other signs a person may be suffering abuse or exploitation.

“Their responses to questions may seem unreasonable or unlikely. They withdrawal from their usual activities, and there may be financial transitions that occur with their bank account that unexplained or unnormal for their pattern,” according to Shaffer. “So there are ways to ask questions that don’t impede on their independence in any way.” Shaffer says there are ways to help people.

“Obviously if someone is in immediate danger they can call 9-1-1, otherwise they can go to our website to find out more about the signs of elder abuse and how to prevent it. Go to www.iowaaging.gov, or they can call toll free, 800-532-3213, again that’s 800-532-3213,” Shaffer says. Many people now live miles away from parents or other elderly relatives. Shaffer says you can still help them from afar. She says if you can’t be there, get to know a neighbor and have them check in on them, or talk with a member of the clergy and have them check. “And call often, call often and keep those lines of communication open, that’s very important,” Shaffer says. She says staying engaged can help you spot when things don’t seem right and you can help the person who might be undergoing elder abuse.

(Radio Iowa)

(Corrects day of the accident to Tuesday instead of Wed.)

No injuries were reported following a two-vehicle accident Tuesday morning, in Red Oak. According to the Red Oak P-D, a 1995 Chevy pickup driven by 17-year old Morgan Walford, of Red Oak, was backing out of a driveway at 800 north 6th Street at around 8:50-a.m., when the truck hit a westbound 2013 Chrysler driven by 64-year old Tracy Elliott, of Red Oak. Damage from the collision amounted to $5,500. Walford was cited for Failure to Stop before crossing a sidewalk/yield right of way.